The weekend starts here...

Here are some of the events you can enjoy this weekend....

Friday (today)
Stargazers are being invited to an evening dedicated to spotting and recognising meteor showers, planets and galaxies.
The Maidenhead Astronomical Society is holding two talks - entitled 'Star Gazing' and 'Exploring the Planets' at Braywick Nature Centre from 8pm.
There will also be an opportunity to view stars and planets through a selection of telescopes if the sky is clear. Visit www.maidenhead-astro.net for details.

Check out our Gig Guide online for a range of music events in and around the area this weekend.

Saturday
Windsor's Christmas lights are switched on by the stars of this year's panto at the Theatre Royal. The afternoon starts after 3.30pm with a children's lantern procession through the Town Centre, before Wendy Craig, Jess Conrad and I'd Do Anything star Samantha Barks turn on the lights on Castle Hill after dark. The Irish Guards and St George's Chapel Choir will perform.

Pop along to meet Santa in his grotto at Friends of Iver School 's Association Christmas Fair at Iver Village Junior School in High Street from 1.30-4pm.

Diwali celebrations will continue for members of a yoga group in Maidenhead.
The Shakti Centre that is based in the community centre in 4 Marlow Road, will celebrate with a feast on Saturday from 12-3.30pm.
All are invited to attend for £2.50 and for more information phone Serla Seth on 01753 527824.

A table-top sale will be held at the United Reformed Church Hall in Twyford on Saturday.
The event at the hall in Church Street will be held from 10-4pm.
Tables can be booked by phoning Alison Evans on 0118 9345867 for £5.
Entry for customers is 50p.
All proceeds will go to Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance and the church.

Santa is having a busy day. Meet him in his grotto at Hare Hatch Sheeplands from 11.30am-4pm.
There will be an arrival parade at 11am. Other attractions include competitions and treasure hunt, children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, facepainter, Harold the Turkey & his farmyard friends
... and much more. All proceeds go to The Shaw Trust. London Road from 0118 9401600.  www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk

Eagle-eyed gun marksmen are being targeted to attend a shooting open day in Marlow.
Mums, Dads, Grandparents and teenager are all invited to come and try out their accuracy on the .22 calibre guns.
The event is being run by the Marlow Rifle and Pistol Club at the Court Garden Leisure Centre in Pound Lane, from 10am-5pm.
Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary.

Enjoy the many stalls at Maidenhead Combined Charities Fair at the Desborough Suite, Maidenhead Town Hall from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The annual event is a popular date on the Maidenhead calendar and is organised by the Lions Club of Maidenhead.

Santa Claus and his pooch will be paying a visit to Stokenchurch Dog Rescue's Christmas Bazaar in Marlow to hand out gifts to children.
He will be at Liston Hall, in Liston Road from 10am till Noon as part of a sale of Christmas cards, calendars, cakes, DVD's and more, with funds going to the rescue kennel's running costs.

Bronze sculptures created by a world-renowned artist are exhibiting in Windsor on Saturday.
Gifted sculptor, Lorenzo Quinn, the son of Hollywood legend Anthony Quinn, brings his new collection to Castle Galleries, in King Edward Court, as part of his first nationwide tour.
The show will be exhibiting until December.

An interfaith youth event is being held from 5-8pm at Kingsway Church in Church Street, Slough,  for 16-25 year-olds. Call Julie on 07956 132035.

Family festivities are on offer at Slough library from 1.30-3.30pm.
Adults and kids aged seven adn over can make a newsletter online or create a Christmas or festival place mat. Booking necessary. call 01753 535166.

Cookham is holding its Christmas Fair in the village from  11am-4pm. With over 40 stallholders attending. Special guests are the Soldiers from The Household Cavalry (Windsor Barracks). Free. Details: www.cookhamfayre.co.uk

Rainbow Pre School's Christmas bazaar is being held at the village centre from 2-4pm in Stoke Poges. Crafts, cakes and a chance to meet Santa are on officer. Proceeds to the pre-school.

Sunday
The End of the Year Show at Windsor's Theatre Royal, Windsor, performed by talented youngsters from local drama groups. Shows at 2pm and 5.30pm. Box office 01753 853888.

The Cats Protection charity will host a Christmas fair in Holyport War Memorial Hall in Moneyrow Green from 12.30-3pm. 

For events throughout the week, see our online Events Diary.