A busy village centre will be closed off to traffic and transformed into a festive wonderland.

Cars will be stopped from travelling down Station Road and Station Approach in Birchington on December 8, with the high street turned into the style of a Christmas market with stalls, a lantern parade and live entertainment on a stage and venues around the village.

A park and ride shuttle will run from Minnis Bay.

One of the organisers, Ray Holland, says the event is the result of a huge effort by businesses and sponsors.

"People were talking about nothing really happening and so we decided this year we'd do something big," he said.

"We started the Birchington Traders Forum last year and through this we held events to fundraise and we've also had sponsors.

"It's been a lot of hard work by a small team but we've had support for fundraisers and people paying for certain things, like we've had someone pay for the tree and someone putting up the lights.

"We've got new lights so this year we'll pretty much cover the whole street."

There will be some 30 stalls, a hog roast and bands including Moments Duo will perform at The Square with gypsy jazz-inspired guitarist Thomas Abrahams appearing in the Seaview Hotel.

Children's entertainer Reg. E. Mental will be there along with choirs, dance groups and performances from A1 theatre group's production of Cinderella.

Santa will be in his grotto on Dog Acre, next to the children's storytelling tent.

There will be craft workshops where children can make a lantern and then take part in the torchlight procession which will end with the official turning on of the lights in Dog Acre at 4pm, followed by a carol concert accompanied by the Birchington Silver Band.

A park and ride system will be in place so that visitors can park at Minnis Bay and be shuttled up to the village and back.

Stops will be by the crabbing pool, The Parade, St Thomas Church, Sandle's Road and people can catch the bus back from Sandle's Road.

The event runs from 11am to 5pm with the official opening at 12pm led by the Viper Corps of Drums.

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