Richmond Riverside is to be the new focus for Christmas celebrations and the Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke will be playing a part in the festivities.

The extravaganza and switch-on of the town's Christmas lights will be held on the plaza between the riverside and Whittaker Avenue, close to Richmond Bridge, on December 2.

The new location has been chosen because it offers a safe, spacious setting with good visibility for family audiences. A big screen next to the main stage will make it even easier to see all the activities.

The fun begins with the always-popular Santa's Grotto will be held at the Vineyard Community Centre from 3.30pm.

Visits cost £5 and include a gift from Santa with all proceeds going towards helping the homeless and the Richmond Food Bank.

Between 5pm and 6.15pm the main stage area at Riverside will be a hive of festive activity with live music, jugglers, elves, costume characters and choirs.

Strictly star Anton Du Beke, who is starring as Buttons in Cinderella at Richmond Theatre, is sending a big screen video message.

The entertainment line-up includes a children's parade with pupils from St Richard's Primary School and Falcons Prep Richmond and festive tunes from The Richmond Music Trust.

Children's favourite, Peter Rabbit will be appearing at Whittaker Avenue at 4pm and the later near the Riverside main stage.

Among the VIPs attending will be the Mayor, Councillor Geoff Acton, who will help with the switch on.

To celebrate the occasion, the St Mary Magdalene church bells will be rung.

The event is financed and organised Be Richmond member businesses who also provide and pay for the town centre lights and decorations.

Ellen Storrar, the Be Richmond manager, said: "Richmond is a fantastic Christmas destination with an amazing choice of shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and entertainment venues.

"The Christmas lights switch on is an important community event which showcases the whole town and engages with all parts of the residential, business and working communities.

"The Riverside location provides an easily accessible, spacious setting where families can safely enjoy the festive entertainment."