Sandwich’s Christmas lights switch-on will take place at the Guildhall Forecourt tonight.

The festive illuminations will be turned on at 7pm following a lantern-lit parade through Market Street, Strand Street, High Street and King Street.

The parade begins at 6pm.

Starting at 3pm, there will be stalls and music on the Forecourt with a fun fair behind.

The mayor and mayoress, Paul and Sue Graeme, will also join in the fun before attending a fundraising show with the Sandwich Concert Band at St Mary’s Art Centre.

The Sandwich Lights team of volunteers received an additional £1,000 from the Dover District Community Fund this year.

Team leader Vicky Day said: “Much of the wiring and electrical junctions were in need of overhaul and repair.

“It was really useful to be able to pay a professional electrician to make it all safe and good for the next few years.

“Our team puts a huge effort into the lights each year, but safety is paramount.

“We are pleased that the switch-on this year appears to be in good hands and that Sandwich should enjoy the lights it is used to.”

The event will raise cash for a teenager from Teynham who has an inoperable brain tumour.

Thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Adams was given the devastating news that she had a mass on her brain in April, this year and the lights committee decided to support her bid to raise £120,000 for pioneering treatment to give her more time.

Elizabeth will switch on the lights, and the event will give her siblings the chance to enjoy a day out as a family.

Ms Day said: “Elizabeth is putting up an incredible fight and deserves all the support she can get.”

Ms Day learned about Elizabeth through her work with The Red Cross.

She added: “We thought it would be nice to invite her to join us on Saturday and push the switch. I’m sure she will enjoy the countdown and the support of the crowd.”