Ramsgate will host its Christmas light switch on event in the town centre tomorrow (November 24) from 12pm until 5pm,
The event will feature the land train, handmade and vintage fair, human snow globe, elves workshops, lantern parade and live entertainment. Christmas lights go on at 4.30pm.
There will also be a Santa’s Grotto, facepainting and crafting at 26 Harbour Street.
The main stage line up starts at noon and features Paul Dryden’s Christmas Roadshow, Hotsy Totsy, Bradley Bissett, Frank Tucker, Mayor of Ramsgate Raushan Ara and the Act 1 Cinderella cast.
At 3.15pm there will be a Japanese drum band with Colin Hoult and from 3.30pm to 4.30pm St Ethelbert’s School, St Lawrence College, Happily Ever After, Stage Door Arts Academy, Kent Show Choir and Little Rouge will be on stage.
At 4.30pm the big switch on takes place, compered by Ralph Hoult and Bradley Bissett with help from Miss Ramsgate and court. There will be special guests and at 4.40pm Dominque Simpson will sing.
The harbour will again be lighting up boats and the arches for the festive season. This usually takes place from the start of December.
Prize-giving for the best dressed crafts takes place at the Royal Temple Yacht Club on December 20. Proceeds from the illuminations go to Ramsgate RNLI. The event is sponsored by the yacht club and Ramsgate Town Team.
On December 1 from 4pm the Winter Parade will take place. This year will feature the Snow Queen and children are busy making lanterns and props to carry in the procession. Workshops are available on Saturday, December10 and 16, 2pm-4pm at AiR in Harbour Street.
The parade will start at 4pm from AiR and travel up to the High Street, turning round at Argos and heading back down to Harbour Street, turning left up Albion Hill, right along Albion Place and then heading through Albion Gardens, back down Albion Hill and then right back to Arts in Ramsgate.
On December 5 from 5pm to 8pm the town will host a late night shopping event.
Many independent businesses will be staying open for an extra few hours, there will be Christmas carols and songs with Kent Show Choir and Little Rouge in Charlotte Court and purchases made between 5pm and 8pm in participating shops entitles shoppers to a free raffle ticket with a prize worth £50.
From December 6-15 the Christmas Tree Festival takes place at St George’s Church in Church Hill.
The display is in aid of the St George’s Restoration Project. Each tree is decorated by local groups and local businesses and can be visited 2pm -5pm Monday to Friday, 11.30am to 5pm on Saturdays and 12.20pm to 5pm on Sundays..
Christmas switch on schedule
12pm-4pm: Santa’s Grotto, crafting and facepainters at 26 Harbour Street; Candyfloss and popcorn stand HIgh Street
12pm-4:30pm – Looping the Loop Red Caravan craft making in King Street; Children’s Carousel and snow globe in High Street; Live entertainment outside Timpsons; Naughty Elves street entertainment (Looping the Loop)
12pm- 5pm: Handmade and Vintage Market in Queen Street
1.30pm-3.30pm: Arts in Ramsgate lantern parade workshops (parade on December 1)
4.30pm: Lights switch on