Kentish Express Ashford & District
Watch Pat and pals switch on the lights
Postman Pat and his black and white cat Jess will be in Ashford on Saturday to turn on the town’s Christmas lights.
The children’s TV characters will be joined by kmfm breakfast presenter Emma Adam and stars from The Marlowe Theatre’s pantomime Aladdin to help Mayor of Ashford Cllr John Link switch on the lights at 4.30pm at the bandstand.
Also lending a hand will be this year’s child of courage, four-year-old Abbie Place, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2012. Abbie is now nearly at the end of her two-year treatment and is in remission.
The festive family fun day, organised by Ashford Borough Council, will begin at 9am when a special farmers’ Christmas gift market opens in Park Mall.
The day will also include an array of foods, late-night shopping and choirs singing cheerful tunes to help visitors get into the Christmas spirit.
Postman Pat and Jess,
and and their friend Ben Taylor, will make appearances in the County Square shopping centre and on the High Street between 12pm and 4.30pm.
Cllr Neil Shorter, portfolio holder for town centre focus, said: “Ashford Borough Council is delighted to support the Christmas lights switch-on.
“It is a wonderful event that people of all ages can enjoy and we hope residents will come along to not only celebrate the festive season, but also support our local traders who work so hard for us all year round.
“Please join us and show your support for your home town.”
The Christmas market will run until 5pm, with the regular market on the Lower High Street staying open until 2pm. Music from Ashford Rock Choir, Ashford Community Choir and the Salvation Army will be performed at the bandstand in the High Street from 2pm. Shops including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Wilkinson will stay open until 7pm that day. Children will be able to post their letter to Father Christmas in a special letter box near the Kids Stuff toyshop in County Square.
To ensure your child receives a personal reply, follow the instructions at www.royalmail.com/ letters-to-santa