Christmas is coming to Ashford…

Over the next few weeks there will be no excuses to not feel festive with a series of Christmas themed activities across Ashford town centre.

The Illuminites events will be lighting up Ashford with three events across two weekends.

Glow International – Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, 4.30, 5.30 and 6.30pm, International House, Dover Place

An incredible digital light projection on the side of International House, celebrating Ashford’s rich heritage and history with a festive twist. Watch in wonder as the building transforms before your eyes, falling away and reappearing in a kaleidoscope of imagery. Between showings, spectators will also have the opportunity to enjoy seasonal food and drinks from the adjoining Coachworks.
This truly is an experience not to be missed.

Ashford’s Winter Forest – Friday 6 December 3-8pm and Saturday 7 December 12-8pm, town centre and Elwick Place

Discover an enchanting installation of illuminated tree sculptures through a trail around the Town Centre, Elwick Place, Memorial Gardens, and the Bandstand. Will you be able to spot them all?

Carnival of the Baubles – Saturday 14 December, 5.30pm, Elwick Place

See a procession of giant illuminated baubles decorated by children from local primary schools across Ashford make its way up Bank Street and through the Lower High Street where it will end with a celebration. A night market with hot food and drink will greet the procession at its end, making it the perfect family evening.

For two weeks from 23 November, County Square is hosting the Illumination Station. Fun for all the family; decorate a festive lantern to be involved in the Carnival of the Baubles (as detailed above) event or create a Christmas Bauble which will be hung from one of the trees in the Winter Forest. Find the Illumination Station located on the ground floor of County Square, adjacent to Tiny Tots Soft Play.

From Saturday 30 November, Ashford town centre will be gleaming under pretty Christmas lights. You can admire the Christmas trees outside B&M and Elwick Place.

Once again we will be hosting Father Christmas in his grotto in Park Mall. Children can meet the man himself in his cosy grotto, complete with twinkling fairy lights and snowy surroundings. £2 per child including a hand-wrapped present. Visiting times are:

23 and 30 November between 10am and 4pm

7, 14, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December  between 10am and 4pm

County Square is also hosting a series of festive events to get you in the mood while you’re doing your Christmas shopping:

30 November: Demelza Danceathon and meet the cast from Jack and the Beanstalk and win tickets for the show.

5 December: Schools sing for Demelza throughout the day

7 December: Ashford Sings performances at 12pm and 1.30pm

14 December: The Rotary Club will be singing at 12pm

21 December: Ashford Rock Choir performance at 12pm and 1.30pm

Every Saturday and Sunday in December: See the cheeky elves entertaining shoppers and offering out acts of kindness and small gifts

Every Saturday in December: See stilt walkers roam around the centre, cameras at the ready.

To coincide with the release of Frozen 2, it will be time to ‘Let it Go’ at Elwick Place on Saturday 23 November, at the Frozen ice palace. Meet characters from the film between 11am and 3pm, plus there will be free face painting and crafts, all to the soundtrack of magical Disney music.

Plus, make sure you enter Elwick Place’s Christmas competition, where you could win prizes from Macknade Fine Foods, Ashford Picturehouse and Travelodge.  See if you can find the hidden Olaf on their website.

Film fans can also get into the Christmas spirit with festive offerings from Revelation Ashford and Ashford Picture House.

Finally, if you still need some help to get into festive mode, The Glass House is hosting Christmas songs with Vikki Vocals on Saturday 21 December from 3pm.

Don’t miss out on any of the festive fun, follow Loveashford on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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