Christmas kicks off in Tunbridge Wells next weekend with panto stars, Father Christmas and a themed grotto - plus free parking.

On Sunday, November 19, at the Royal Victoria Place there will be a day of family fun plus free parking all day at the centre.

Santa will be opening his new Festive Fireside-themed grotto and switching on the Christmas lights from noon with a little help from his celebrity friends – CBBC presenter Mark Rhodes, EastEnders’ Michael Greco and Chris Pizzey from The Basil Brush Show – who will all be starring in this year’s Assembly Hall Theatre pantomime Aladdin.

The event will be hosted by kmfm’s Drive-time presenter Rob Wills from 11.30am.

Santa’s Grotto will be open until 4.30pm and there will be lots of free festive entertainment throughout the day, including the chance to see Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol at intervals between 12.30pm and 4.30pm. Shoppers will also be able to see the biggest teddy in Tunbridge Wells and win prizes.

Marketing manager at the Royal Victoria Place, Marc Burchett, said: “Santa’s arrival is one of the highlights of the Christmas season here in Tunbridge Wells and at Royal Victoria Place we cannot wait to welcome him back.

"We have been busy putting the finishing touches to a spectacular day of festive fun.”

Santa’s Grotto will be open every day until 4pm on Christmas Eve on Level 1 opposite M&S. Book in advance at royalvictoriaplace.com