Dartford’s Big Christmas Switch On is set to dazzle the town on Saturday 15th November, following the selection of this year’s Christmas Colouring Competition winner.
After reviewing a host of wonderful entries from primary schools across Dartford, Maya, aged 8, was chosen as this year’s lucky winner. She’ll have the special honour of lighting up the town along with The Worshipful the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Peter Whapshott, stars from Orchard West’s pantomime, and of course, Father Christmas!
This year’s celebrations promise a day full of festive fun and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy appearances from panto stars Linda Robson and Anton Stephens during an exclusive Q&A session, whilst Panto Dame Widow Panky will lead a merry singalong. The line-up also features performances from Dartford’s Got Talent winner Olivia Bell, local favourite Jason Allen, and fantastic tribute acts to Pop Princesses and Freddie Mercury, guaranteed to get the crowd singing along.
The festivities kick off from 10am, with a vibrant line-up of street performers presented by Cohesion Plus. Expect face painters, magicians, balloon artists and street entertainers bringing colour and excitement to the High Street, Orchards Shopping Centre, and Priory Shopping Centre.
Adding to the community spirit is the Orchard West Ukulele Group, who will perform across the shopping centres and on stage in Brewery Square, along with the Signing Choir and the theatre’s very own choir. The day’s entertainment will be compered by the brilliant David Ribi, ensuring a full day of festive cheer for all ages.
Performances start on stage from just before 2:00pm. 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
We would like to thank the following organisations who have generously supported this year’s Big Christmas Switch On: Dartford Borough Council – Orchards Shopping Centre – The Priory Shopping Centre – Orchard West – Aldi – Fairfield – Dartford Markets – Dartford Messenger – Cohesion Plus.
The Big Christmas Switch On kicks off Dartford Borough Council’s festive calendar. Details about the Carol Concert (10th December), Santa’s Tour (7th, 11th 14th, 16th, 21st, 22nd December) and other great events can be found via www.dartford.gov.uk/events.