Dartford’s Big Christmas Switch On will take place this Saturday (November 15), following the selection of this year’s Christmas Colouring Competition winner.
After reviewing a host of wonderful entries from primary schools across Dartford, eight-year-old Maya was chosen as this year’s lucky winner.
Maya will have the honour of lighting up the town along with The Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Peter Whapshott, stars from Orchard West’s pantomime, and Father Christmas.
This year’s Big Christmas Switch On will feature a packed day of festive entertainment. Panto stars Linda Robson and Anton Stephens will take part in an exclusive Q&A, while Panto Dame Widow Panky leads a singalong.
Dartford’s Got Talent winner Olivia Bell, local favourite Jason Allen, and tribute acts to Pop Princesses and Freddie Mercury will also perform, promising plenty of music and festive cheer for visitors.
The festivities kick off from 10am, with a line-up of street performers presented by Cohesion Plus.
There will be face painters, magicians, balloon artists and street entertainers on the High Street, Orchards Shopping Centre, and Priory Shopping Centre.
Community groups will also take to the stage, with the Orchard West Ukulele Group performing across the shopping centres and in Brewery Square, joined by the Signing Choir and the theatre’s own choir.
The day will be hosted by David Ribi, promising a full schedule of festive entertainment for all ages.
Performances start on stage from just before 2pm.
The full programme for the day is as follows:
• 1.55pm – Your host David Ribi
• 2.00pm – Cohesion Plus Bhangra Santa
• 2.10pm – Panto Dame Widow Panky
• 2.15pm – Orchard West Theatre Choir
• 2.35pm – Ukulele Group
• 2.55pm – Signing Choir
• 3.10pm – DGT winner Olivia Bell
• 3.35pm – Leanne Kyte, Pop Princess tribute
• 4.00pm – Aladdin Panto Stars
• 4.25pm – Jason Allen
• 4.55pm – Gary Goodmaze
• 5.10pm – The Worshipful The Mayor of Dartford
• 5.15pm – The Big Christmas Lights Switch On
