Dartford’s Getting Ready For Some Christmas Sparkle

by | Nov 7, 2018 | Dartford Entertainment

Dartford town centre’s getting ready to sparkle and shine at this year’s Big Christmas Lights Switch On which takes place on Saturday 17th November.

The Worshipful Mayor of Dartford Councillor David Mote will be joined on stage by Holby City and Heartbeat star and the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2017 Joe McFadden, Father Christmas and our colouring competition winner to switch on the lights at 5.15pm.

From 2pm, the build up to the grand finale will see performances from Twist and Pulse, Beer Pressure and Glen Owen as Bruno Mars and Leanne Kyte as Ariana Grande, as the countdown to switching on Dartford’s Christmas lights begins.

In addition to the acts and entertainment on stage in the High Street, there will be lots of family entertainment and giveaways around the town centre.

Councillor Patsy Thurlow, Cabinet Member for Events said, “We’re looking forward to another brilliant Christmas Lights Switch On and can’t wait to see the High Street full of people gathering for the festivities. The Christmas Lights are the perfect way to start the festive season and every year the town looks spectacular covered with paper snow! We hope to see you there for what’s sure to be another spectacular occasion.”

Programme

2.15pm – Adam Hoffman
2.25pm – Beer Pressure
3.00pm – Glenn Owen as Bruno Mars
3.45pm – Orchard Theatre Choir
4.00pm –  Leanne Kyte as Ariana Grande
4.30pm – Twist & Pulse
4.40pm – Paw Patrol’s Chase
4.50pm – Twist & Pulse
5.00pm – Orchard Theatre Stars
5.10pm – The Worshipful Mayor of Dartford
5.20pm – The Big Christmas Lights Switch On

Programme may be subject to change

We would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support of the 2018 Dartford Christmas Lights:

Dartford Borough Council – Orchards Shopping Centre – The Priory Shopping Centre – Twin Noodle Bar & Restaurant – McDonalds – Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel – The Orchard Theatre – Sainsbury’s – Lollipops – Sweetcake Fairy – Dartford Markets – Aldi – Fairfield Leisure – Prospect Place

01322 343440 or visit www.dartford.gov.uk/christmas

LOCAL CHILDREN GIVEN CHANCE TO SHINE IN THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS PANTO AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE

Young performers across Kent are being given the chance to step into the spotlight this Christmas as The Orchard Theatre announces open auditions for this year’s magical family pantomime, Cinderella. Youngsters aged 9–16 (school years 4–11) are invited to audition for...

Bluewater to Host ‘The Monster’ – One of the World’s Largest Inflatable Obstacle Courses

Bluewater is set for an action-packed summer as one of the world’s largest inflatable assault courses, The Monster, arrives during the summer holidays, with tickets on sale now. From Saturday 18th July to Monday 31st August, the Kent shopping and leisure destination...

Orchard Theatre – WE’RE HIRING

The Orchard Theatre Announces Search for a New Buildings and Technical Manager to Lead Landmark Reopening Following a period of major refurbishment, Dartford’s iconic Orchard Theatre is officially launching a nationwide search for a visionary Buildings and Technical...

‘A Brief History of Me and My Time’ – Local Author’s new book is released in September

My name is Richard Winston. I am a retired teacher of languages, living in Sidcup. Since retirement I have written a couple of novels and a memoir. The novel, called "The Seed of Change", is currently with Troubador Publishers and is due for release on 28th September....

Dartford’s Night Food Market returns with a World Cup twist

Dartford will once again host its popular Night Food Market on Friday 12 th  June, transforming the town centre into a vibrant celebration of flavour, live entertainment, and community spirit.  Visitors will be able to taste their way around the...

The Kindness of Strangers: A Reminder of What Unites Us

We never truly know how a day is going to unfold. One moment you are enjoying a sunny  Sunday afternoon listening to the Bandstand Concert in Dartford’s Central Park. The next you  are waking up from a sudden blackout, surrounded by confusion and panic....

Dartford Juniors lift the inaugural Kent County Chess Association Foundation Cup

Dartford Juniors are the 2026 KCCA Foundation Cup champions — and the first team ever to lift the trophy. On Saturday 30th May, our squad beat Petts Wood & Orpington 2½–1½ in a tense final to write their names into Kent chess history. The Foundation Cup is a...

“FAMILIES CALL US THE COMFORT BLANKET”

“When you spend time with Tina, you quickly understand why families remember her. She puts people at ease immediately and makes families feel like they’re not going through difficult moments on their own. Tina brings warmth and reassurance into people’s homes every...

Paralympian JohnBoy Smith to Scale the O2 in Wheelchair for We Are Beams

Commonwealth Games Medallist, Team GB Paralympian and Patron of We Are Beams JohnBoy Smith is taking his support to new heights by undertaking a breath taking wheelchair climb over the iconic O2 Arena in London. This special fundraising event, which will take...

Pop Icon Sinitta and Drag Royalty Divina De Campo announced to headline Dartford Pride

Pop Icon Sinitta and Drag Royalty Divina De Campo Announced to Headline Milestone 5th Anniversary of Dartford Pride. Orchard West, in partnership with Dartford Borough Council, is thrilled to announce that 80s pop sensation Sinitta will headline PrideFest: The Party...