Christmas is fast approaching and Harlow is busy preparing for the festive season.

On Thursday November 21 the lights were be switched on, with cast members from Harlow Playhouse’s pantomime Dick Whittington in attendance.

The theatre’s Director Scott Ramsay said: “Its one of the ways we try to get children into the theatre, not just for the show but so they can have a love for performing arts in general.”

Mr Ramsay is keen to get local children who would otherwise miss out involved.

“Because of the current austerity, we arrange school trips to the pantomime so that children whose families cannot afford to bring them can also see the show.

“The Christmas lights is one of the first steps where we can challenge this ‘I don’t belong here’ attitude to theatre.”

The baubles and snow are already out at the Harvey Shopping Centre as Father Christmas is camping out for the season in his grotto.

“It is so enjoyable to see all the smiling children. The little ones often don’t like my beard but usually they are excited,” he said.

“The children, often nervous at first, are not shy when it comes to asking for presents.

“You do get children at three or four asking for ipads and phones, but mostly the requests are still quite traditional.”

The grotto has become a popular attraction for festive shoppers in the town.

“People in Harlow say they love to see the grotto – they expect us now that we’ve been here for the last few years”.

When I ask his name he says: “I’ll give you my Christian name, its Derek.

“I’d rather not say my surname, my grandchildren visit and they still don’t know its me – I don’t want to spoil the magic”.