The Christmas lights will be turned on today at 3pm.
Kingston is getting ready for another special Christmas with a variety of festive programmes set to take place.
The town’s Christmas lights switch-on, on November 14, will kick-off a programme of festive family events, attractions and entertainment, including live reindeers and Santa’s grotto at London Road.
Shops will also run extended opening hours that will last right through to the New Year so visitors can enjoy their Christmas shopping for even longer.
As part of the Christmas light switch on, Kingstonfirst’s programme of free entertainment starts at 3pm, with Father Christmas himself switching on the town centre’s lights at 6pm on the day.
“We have chosen a circus theme for our switch-on celebrations this year, taking our inspiration from The Rose Theatre’s Christmas production of The Snow Gorilla,” said Ros Morgan, CEO of Kingstonfirst.
“Residents and visitors to the town will be wowed by circus displays from the hula girls, a fire breather, The Black Eagles acrobatic performers and a strongman.”
In addition to the switch-on celebrations, Strictly Come Dancing fans will be treated to performance from last year’s dancer on the show, Izabela Dance, and her team.
Balloon modelling, face painting and an opportunity to have a picture taken with Santa at Eden Walk Shopping Centre are just some of the activities children can enjoy.
Even the famous ‘Out of Order’ tumbling phone boxes have also had a festive make up in while polka dot style decorations!
Kingston’s acclaimed The Rose Theatre will be staging an event of circus and storytelling in a family-friendly production ‘The Snow Gorilla’, from 29 November 2013 until 5 January 2014.
Tickets start from £8. To book go to http://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/ or call 0844 4482 1556.
For more information on visiting Kingston upon Thames call 0208 547 1221 or go to www.kingstonfirst.co.uk
Photo courtesy of Scott Cawley, with thanks.
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