Stars of this year's Richmond Theatre panto – Goldilocks and the Three Bears – will lead the fun as the town kicks off its Christmas festivities this weekend.

The event takes place on Saturday – from 3pm to 6pm – and is the first in a series of gatherings designed to attract people in for their festive shopping, fun and food.

Ahead of the event, there is the annual Vineyard Community Centre running from 1.30pm, where you can browse their craft market and meet Santa.

The 'switch on' event on Whittaker Avenue, on the Richmond riverside terrace, will feature The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, who will no doubt be causing chaos.

Panto stars, Tamara Morgan, who plays Goldilocks, and Nigel Ellacott, as the Dame, will be taking to the stage.

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There will be carols from the Skylarks Choir, and tasty snacks from Tapas Brindisa, ahead of the Christmas Lights being switched on.

The following Saturday – November 26 – the new public entertaining space at Whittaker Avenue will host a series of crafting workshops.

The events are being organised by Be Richmond, which is the Business Improvement District for Richmond town centre, representing hundreds of retailers and other employers who are dedicated to making the area more attractive to visitors.

In Twickenham, the Christmas Lights switch on will take place on Sunday at an event running from 2pm-6pm.

There is entertainment on the Riverside Radio stage with musicians, choirs and panto performers plus market stalls on Water Lane at the event organised by Discover Twickenham, the business group promoting the area.

The lights will be switched on at 4.30pm by Harlequins players Louis Lynagh and Jack Kenningham along with the Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Julia Cambridge.

Separately, 11s and under are being invited along to a Christmas Mini Disco at Diamond Jubilee Gardens from 3pm through to 6pm.

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The traders in Church Street will be running two Christmas Shopping Market events this year on Sunday, November 27, and Sunday, December 11.

Billed as the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping in Twickenham, there will be a series of stalls alongside the independent shops on the street including Mojo, Allissias Attic, Rocc and the Hare and the Moon.

Corto Italian Deli will be offering some unique food presents. And if shopping isn't your thing the pubs and restaurants will be hosting lots of Christmas treats too.

With live entertainment, amazing food and festive drinks, Church Street is the perfect place for all of your Christmas Shopping.

Traders have set up a GoFundMe page to support its events. Donations can be made here -

https://www.gofundme.com/f/church-streets-events?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer