By Jennifer Mulcahey

CHRISTMAS is coming - and there's still time to get involved in the festivities.

Communities in and around Bridport have been getting into the festive spirit and pulling out all the stops to make sure it really is the season to be jolly.

The big event in the calendar is Christmas Cheer, which takes place between 4pm and 8pm on Wednesday.

The evening of Christmas celebration, organised by volunteers, will see carol singing from local schools, late night shopping, Santa’s Grotto, dance performances outside Bridport Antiques and more than 100 stalls offering food, drink, art and crafts along West, East and South Street as well as outside the Electric Palace, town hall and arts centre.

Community groups, schools and individuals from the area will be shining bright as they showcase their traditional winter lanterns at the event’s first ever lantern parade. More than 140 people have been making lanterns with a community artist, volunteers and students on work experience to create the procession, which will lead Father Christmas into town.

Artist Mickey Bonome said: "The groups have made some beautiful lanterns and to create them in such short sessions has really shown how amazing the groups really are and what true, up-and-coming artists we have in our Bridport schools and community.”

The lantern parade will start at 5.30pm at East Street car park and lead on to Bucky Doo Square. Those taking part in the parade should meet at the car park between 4.45pm and 5pm to have your light attached to your lantern to give it its sparkle for the procession.

Mickey added: “Well done to everyone and looking forward to seeing you all on the 6th. Come along to support the lantern makers and allow them to really show off their arts skills.”

For more information about future workshops, email Mickey at mickeylbonome@gmail.com

At Bridport Museum, visitors are invited to step back in time this Christmas Cheer as it opens its doors onto a Victorian Christmas with a twist. Costumed guides will take you on a Christmas trail from pre-historic times, using the contemporary tools of interactive technology. There will be chocolate coins for those who complete the trail and mince pies and hot chocolate for all. Relive the town’s past with touch screens, audio recordings and video demonstrations and pick up some gifts from the museum shop - all sales help to keep the museum free to visit.

The museum has organised a raffle and you could win a festive hamper.

The museum’s Victorian Christmas will take place between 4pm and 8pm.

For more information, visit www.bridportmuseum.co.uk