WITH Christmas just over a month away, next week’s Pinner Panto will set the festive cheer going.

Now in its 16th year, the event will see families descending on Pinner to enjoy Pantomime-themed shop windows and shopkeepers wearing fancy dress.

More than 10,000 people are expected and new this year will be stalls run by the popular Duck Pond Market, which has been held in the summer months.

The usual children’s rides will be present, and choirs and live music will perform as shops traditionally open late for customers to get some early Christmas presents.

David Elliott, who is in charge of publicity for the Panto planning committee, said: “It is one of the biggest events in the north west London calendar and thousands of people are expected to attend.

“It is the start of Christmas in Pinner and if you can get there it is a really fun evening.”

The evening will begin at 5pm on Thursday, November 27, with the switching on of the Christmas tree lights by the Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Ajay Maru.

Earlier in the day he will tour the window displays and later award cash prizes for the best exhibits.

Crowds can see the grand finale firework display in Pinner Memorial Park in West End Lane, Pinner, from 8.15pm, which is sponsored by Pinner and Northwood Business Club.

Bruce Watson, chairman of the Pinner Association, which is sponsoring the Christmas lights, said: “It is the kind of evening you could take small children or your granny to and they would have a good time.”