This year there were brand new Christmas lights hanging along the High Street and the river banks.
The Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Pam Bates, turned on the illuminations with the help of the cast of the Tonbridge Community Pantomime, Snow White. Afterwards a lavish fireworks display lit up the night sky above the Castle.
During the afternoon there was a variety of live acts on stage, including Razzamataz Theatre School, the Tonbridge Community Singers, local singer-songwriter Charlotte Lubbock and popular rock and pop band Roxxon.
The TS Brilliant Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets band started proceedings by marching through the High Street, which was closed to traffic.
The Hartley Morris Men also performed throughout the day, and there were more than 50 stalls along the thoroughfare.
This year, loud speakers lined the High Street for the first time, relaying the music from the stage.
The organiser Brian Piner, past President of The Rotary Club, said: “It’s hard work, it takes nine months to prepare and it costs more than £8,000, but when you put so much into an event, it makes it all worthwhile to see so many people enjoying it.
“The Rotary Club were proud to be part of the Tonbridge community on Sunday. It’s been one of the most successful events for bringing the town together.”
‘The Rotary Club were proud to be part of the Tonbridge community on Sunday.
It’s been one of the most successful events for bringing the town together’
He told the Times: “It’s been a great team effort, and we had a really good turn-out from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council too. There are so many people to thank, you haven’t got a paper big enough.
“But I would like to thank the stall-holders and all our generous sponsors for their support in helping us raise funds for local charities, and making this event so successful.”
The proceeds from the three-day festival will go to local causes, among them Slideaway, a charity that helps children to cope with bereavement.
Mr Piner added: “We would also like to thank all the acts that performed and gave their time free of charge, and in particular Dave Macdonald for his usual -professionalism in compering the show.”
For the first time there was a retailers’ Christmas window competition – which was won by Clarke & Coleman Pharmacy – and a quiz competition in the High Street for the children.
The Rotary Club’s President, Sonia Williams, who conducted the firework countdown, said. “I am most appreciative of all those taking part inside and outside of The Rotary for what was a magnificent day that brought the community together in style.”
