Christmas Lights Switch on in Medway 2011

The five Medway Towns all have celebrity visitors switching on their Christmas lights this year.

In Rochester, rapper Vanilla Ice, starring in the pantomime, Peter Pan, at the Central Theatre, will switch on the lights in Rochester Castle Gardens at 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 30th, folllowing a lantern procession from Blue Boar Lane, beginning at 3.45pm. This will signal the start of the Dickens Market in the Castle Gardens.

In Chatham, CBeebies presenter Katy Ashworth, also starring in Peter Pan, will switch on their lights on Thursday, 17th November at 4.30pm, outside the Central Theatre. 

Other stars from CBeebies will do the honours in the other towns: In Gillingham, Rastamouse will switch on the lights in Smith's Square at 5pm on Friday, November 25th.

In Rainham, Wayballoo De-Li will switch on the lights at 5pm on Friday, December 2nd at Rainham Shopping Centre and in Strood, Raa Ra the Noisy Lion will switch them on at 5pm at Friarys Place on Saturday 19th November.

Entertainment begins at each venue at 3.45pm, with local majorettes, face painting and carousels.

The Dockside Outlet Centre, Chatham Maritime, also has a celebrity switch on, with TV Presenter, Jenni Falconer, at the centre on Saturday 19th November, with festivities running from 1pm to the switch on around 4pm.