Join Father Christmas and Richmond Theatre’s pantomime stars for the annual switching on of Richmond’s Christmas lights tomorrow night.

Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Celia Hodges, will flip the switch on the festive display at 5.30pm in Lower George Street.

Attendees can enjoy complimentary mince pies and mulled wine provided by the Bingham Hotel, before following the Air Cadet Band to Richmond Green and listening to harpist Kate Cream play outside Austin’s.

The fun then moves up Richmond Hill which will be transformed into a Christmas market for an evening of festivities starting at 6.30pm when the Deputy Mayor turns on the Compass Hill Tree Lights.

Chairman of the Richmond Business and Retail Association, Coun Pamela Fleming, said: “With the recession this year’s switch on night is more important than ever for our shops and they will be staying open late.”

“We hope that all the festive activities we have planned for the evening will get people into the Christmas spirit and once they have seen all the wonderful things that Richmond has to offer they won’t be able to resist shopping here.”