Light up your weekend with Illuminites

It is almost time for Ashford to be lit up with a series of never-seen-before festive events, getting the borough into the Christmas spirit.

On Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, you will be able to enjoy a five minute digital projection on the side of International House, Dover Place, celebrating Ashford’s rich heritage and history. Watch in wonder as the building transforms before your eyes, falling away and reappearing in a kaleidoscope of imagery. The shows will be at 4.30, 5.30 and 6.30pm.

When you’ve watched the show, you can enjoy the newly-opened Coachworks, which will be serving up a range of food and drink, working with Rebel Farmer to provide tasty, local and sustainable food, mulled wine and cider, and there will be a small market of local traders from 3-7pm on both days and on Saturday 14 December.

Then, make your way into the town centre to spot the trees in Ashford’s Winter Forest, around for two nights only. The enchanting and magical trail is made up of trees dotted around the town centre and Elwick Place. They are Ashford themed, showcasing the town’s rich history, famous landmarks, and illustrious residents for a striking installation that evokes a wintery woodland walk.

You can also enjoy a double-bill of Home Alone and Home Alone 2 at Picturehouse from 6.30pm on Friday or noon on Saturday, and if you’re interested in comedy, Revelation are hosting Revels Comedy Club on Friday evening and folk music from Knight and Spiers on Saturday 7 December.

The fun doesn’t stop there! The following weekend, on Saturday 14 December, you can enjoy the Carnival of the Baubles. Starting at Elwick Place from 5.30pm, a procession of giant, illuminated baubles, decorated by local artists and children from six Ashford primary schools will make its way down Bank Street to the Lower High Street, where it will all end with a celebration. There will be a night market selling hot food and drink, making it the perfect family evening.

There’s the chance for you to get involved with Illuminites too. County Square is hosting the Illumination Station where you can decorate a lantern for the carnival or a bauble for the Winter Forest. Come along between 2 and 14 December, follow the baubles on the floor to find your way.

When you’re enjoying the Illuminites events, you will also be able to admire the town’s festive lights, which will be on from Saturday 30 November, and two Christmas trees. The borough’s children can also enjoy a visit to the big man himself, who will be in his grotto at Park Mall on Saturday 30 November, then 7, 14, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December from 10am to 4pm. £2 per child, including a hand wrapped present.

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.

If festive films are your thing, Ashford Picture House and Revelation Ashford are showing a range of films to get you in the mood, with Home Alone, Elf, Gremlins and Miracle on 34^th Street all showing during December.

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 town centre fun, over Christmas or into the new year! Follow Loveashford on Facebook and Twitter.

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