A 'MAGICAL' evening was had when a town came out for its big Christmas light switch-on.

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and the Yarlington Community Fund, Axminster’s South Street was part of the festive fun at this year’s event.

Organisers Light Up Axminster were able to buy enough lights for the street and hosted a range of activities for all ages, including a visit from Father Christmas. A Christmas market took place in the South Street car park.

Ahead of the big day, Light Up Axminster teamed up with Actiontrack Performance Company and The Pirates of the Carabina to deliver giant puppet lanterns, silt walkers, circus acts and musicians for the afternoon and evening.

A number of workshops also took place last month to get the whole community involved, including one on how to walk on stilts.

Cindy ,of Light Up Axminster, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support for Lighting Up 2018, from those who have given their time to help put up the lights, took part in workshops and created the lantern parade, the businesses which have supported us and those who have donated throughout the year.

"It was a lovely night with a magical atmosphere and very special to have been a part of making it happen. We hope that next year, as we move to the next part of town to be lit up, we will see as many people involved as well as spectating as we did this year. A huge 'thank you' from all of us at Light Up Axminster to everyone involved."

Light Up Axminster was formed in January 2017 in response to an open meeting to discuss the future of the town's Christmas lights.

Since the first open meeting, the group decided to focus not only on Christmas lights but on brightening the town up throughout the year through celebratory events that bring our whole community together.

For information visit www.lightupaxminster.co.uk