Magician Stephen Mulhern and the rest of the cast of the Marlowe Theatre’s pantomime Dick Whittington will switch on Deal’s Christmas lights tonight.

As well as an appearance from the TV favourite – known from Catchphrase and Big Star’s Little Star – the Deal Regatta Court and Johnny Lewis will take to the stage outside St George’s Church from 6pm.

Ocean Rooms DJ Gareth Hopkins will be manning the decks and Merrygardens will be selling refreshments, many supplied by Steve Plews of the Rose Hotel, in aid of ACE.

Father Christmas is expected at 6.45pm, followed by the panto stars at 7.15pm with the big switch at 7.30pm.

An annual auction, which helps towards the £4,000 it costs to run the lights, was held at Deal Angling Club last Friday.

A whopping £1,324.70 - £300 more than last year - was raised. Thanks has been given to Ian Dunkerley for showing off the items with a comedic approach and all the businesses and individuals that donated items.

On Saturday, Scouts in Deal helped decorate the Christmas trees ahead of tonight's switch on.

A team of 10 from 2nd Deal Sea Scouts and Explorers, along with their leader Danny Collard, helped dress about 130 spruces over five hours at Castles Removals base in Southwall Road.

Peter Davies, secretary of Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade who organise the lights, said: “They worked hard and in teams and were more effective than the group of adults from our committee, me included, who were dressing trees in an another area of the warehouse.

“They were a shining example of well behaved youths and a credit to their troop.”

On Sunday, 110 of the 134 trees were put up around the town, including outside the Mercury office in Queen Street.

Mr Davies said: “We are going through the routine of testing these work and installing wiring throughout the week.

“We are also working on the other trees this week and next until we get up to the full compliment.

“We ask that businesses stay patient as these works are being carried out for free by the team and we are trying to avoid the busier times in the High Street for safety of the shoppers.”

To join the Scouts or for more information, call Danny on 07923 369617.