Christmas celebrations will get under way in Sutton next week with a little help from Santa, Cinderella and some real life Shetland ponies.

Father Christmas will join the mayor of Sutton to light up the Christmas tree in Trinity Square at 6pm on Thursday, November 17.

School choirs, Sutton College of Learning for Adults (Scola) and the borough’s youth theatres will entertain shoppers from 4pm.

Titan the Robot will be making appearances at the St Nicholas Centre, at 5pm and 6.30pm, and the centre will be open for late night shopping until 8pm.

A music night for adults at venues across the town centre will take place on Friday, November 18.

On Saturday, November 19, the stars of the Secombe Theatre’s pantomime will take to the street, including the Shetland ponies.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, executive member for planning, economic development at Sutton Council, said: “This is going to be a great way to kick-start Christmas in Sutton and get everyone in the mood in the run-up to the big day.”