PLANS for a Christmas light switch-on in Taunton for the first time since 2015 have been announced.

Taunton Deane Borough Council has revealed festivities will commence on Sunday, November 25.

'Winterfest', as it will be known, will see fairground rides, street performers, food and entertainment throughout the town from 10am until 8pm.

At 6.30pm the focus will turn to the traditional Christmas tree outside the Market House which is sponsored this year by Langford Lakes, Taunton Farmers Market, Blackdown Financial, Wilkie May & Tuckwood, and Wheelers of Bridgwater.

The last time the council held an official switch-on event was in 2015, when the late Johnny Kingdom turned on the lights. 

The Mayor of Taunton Deane, Cllr Catherine Herbert, will switch on the Christmas tree lights helped by a community hero nominated by members of the public, alongside the cast of the Wizard of Oz, who are performing at the Brewhouse Theatre from December 7 until December 30.

Road closures will be in operation at East Street, Corporation Street, Hammet Street and North Street from 6am through to midnight with diversions in place.

Following Winterfest, the first late night shopping evening will be on Thursday November 29 when the Orchard Shopping Centre will have its’ lights switch on event.

The last late night shopping evening is Thursday December 20, with some shops also opening late on Friday and Saturday.

The council is offering free parking in its car parks on the four Saturdays before Christmas. There will be no charge from 2pm in all Taunton car parks, with the exception of Kilkenny, on Saturday December 1,8,15 and 22.

There will be a Christmas Craft Market in Fore Street from Friday November 30 to Wednesday December 19, and carols around the bandstand in Vivary Park on Monday December 17 at 6.30pm.

Cllr Mark Edwards, events champion and deputy leader of the council, said: “The council is pleased to be working with the Winterfest organisers to co-ordinate the Christmas lights switch on in Taunton this year, and I am delighted that one deserving Taunton resident will have a chance to share the honour with the mayor and cast of the Christmas show.

"People will see a mix of the traditional and the new this year. We hope that our free parking offer will encourage people to come into Taunton to shop and enjoy refreshments over the festive period.”