Celebrated children’s author Judith Kerr will be joining carol singers, pantomime actors and, of course, Father Christmas at Sandown Park Racecourse’s Tingle Creek Christmas Festival on December 2 and 3.

Kerr, famed for books such as The Tiger who came to Tea and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit will be signing her work at the event.

The winter race meeting will also include performances of Dick Whittington by the Panto Company.

Racegoers are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite pantomime character for the chance to win festive prizes and fancy dress finalists will be judged by Father Christmas himself.

Visitors arriving from the train station can take a traditional horse and sleigh ride to the racecourse, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

Children from a Surrey school will sing carols and, after the races, award-winning choir the New London Singers will perform.

Stalls selling goods from around the world will be present for some Christmas shopping and children can visit Santa’s Grotto.

The festival’s featured race is the Grade 1 sportingbet.com Tingle Creek Steeplechase on Saturday.

For tickets call 01372 470047 or visit sandown.co.uk.