There are loads of great things planned in Rochester during November & December, these are just a few that you might like to check out:

Sat 16th November Christmas Light Switch on

This year's light switch on will be bigger and hopefully better than previous ones. We've got loads of things happening which should make it a fun day.

Many different types of people will be involved, including Jack Sparrow & other pirates, Steam Punks, Members of the Dickens Fellowship in costume, local school choirs, dance groups, a caricaturist and a face painter.

There will be a parade which will form up at the Crown Pub at 12 noon, and start to walk along the High Street at 12.30. It will go right through to Star Hill; the parade will then disperse and all these people will be milling about so there will be loads of photo opportunities.

There will be a main stage area outside the City Wall Winebar and also small performance areas at both ends of the High Street. The dance groups taking part in the parade will perform in a number of displays at these locations. One group will be doing modern jive, Lindy Hop and also strolls. (Strolls were danced by ladies when the men were away at war. They will try to get members of the public involved with the strolls!)

On the main stage at around 1.30 the Steam Punks will put on a show for half an hour, this will be followed by performances by choirs and bands from a number of local schools as well as a number of other show/displays up until about 3pm when the Council Light switch on performance from the Heart FM team will begin, ready for the 5pm switch on by James Argent from The Only Way Is Essex.

There will also be a Flea Market in the Gordon Hotel from 11 till 4, to find more details on this see www.therochesterflea.com

Some local businesses are going the extra mile to help generate a fun atmosphere, Us Fieldstaff folk are going to adopt a nautical theme, so look out for pirates if you call in on the day!

Sat 23rd November Santa Fun Run

This one gets bigger & better every year. A good opportunity to have some fun and raise money for a good cause. Check out www.santafunrun.net

Sat 30th November Another Flea Market at the Gordon Hotel

See www.therochesterflea.com

Rochester Christmas Market in Rochester Castle Gardens

30th November & 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th & 15th December

Open 11am till 8pm (10am till 8pm on 7 & 8 Dec)

City of Rochester Society Craft Fair in the Castle Moat

6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th & 15th December

Dickensian Christmas Festival

7th & 8th December

Rochester Farmers Market