THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of the medieval village of Dunster last night for the 31st Dunster by Candlelight event.

Visitors of all ages from far and wide descended on the tiny village which celebrates the village's amazing heritage.

The candlelight procession set off just before 7pm with a man on stilts hanging the lanterns along the High Street and up through West Street following by gathered youngsters from Dunster Primary School who had made their own lanterns for the parade.

The evening was filled with street entertainment include fire spinners, jesters and flaming swords while there was also manner of music taking place too.

The West Somerset Brass Band, folk duo Mitchell and Vincent, acapella group Dynamix, Minehead Choral, the Wiveliscombe Community Wind Band, The West Somerset College Band and Choir and Dunster Carollers were all performing at various locations throughout the village.

The Tithe Barn was home to Punch and Judy, Kingston Exotic Animals and Minehead Model Railway while there was also a hog roast among the many food stalls and outlets throughout the village.

There are also a host of things to discover at Dunster Castle which is especially illuminated for the event. Inside the halls have been decked , there is live choirs and even music from talented harpist and singer Hazel Prior.

There is also festive shopping in the stables and a chance to see the Watermill at night.

Families can also take part in a fun treasure hunt by picking up a quiz sheet from the Information Centre in the High Street next to the Yarn Market.

Dunster by Candlelight continues tonight with entertainment between 4pm and 9pm.

Aerial acrobatics, a torchlight procession, plenty more music and entertainment will be on offer, with all money raised in the collections going to St Margaret's Hospice.

In 2016 the team raised £6,136 and are hoping to top that this year.