A NIGHT of festivities is set to take over Bridport tonight.

The annual Christmas Cheer event is set to return to the town this evening between 4-8 pm. 

The much-anticipated event will also include the switch-on of the town's Christmas lights which will be led and switched on by the town mayor Councillor Ian Bark. 

The mayor will lead the countdown for the lights on the Christmas Tree at 6 pm sharp in Bucky Doo Square. 

The tree, which has been described as the best ever by Bridport Round Table, is in the middle of the square.

Cllr Bark could hardly contain his excitement ahead of the event. He said: "I am very much looking forward to it. It is one of the big nights in the community. 

"The event will be back to its full glory with shops opening late, and stalls at Millenium Green, the Town Hall and the Arts Centre.

"It is one of the occasions when the community comes together. 

"It is a local event, other events such as ones in the summer are bolstered by visitors whereas this one is a local and a very community-based one!

"I'd imagine the streets will be full of people out to enjoy themselves. It is an opportunity to buy special gifts. A chance to get something locally made for Christmas. 

"I'm a big believer in 'think local, shop local' and this is a great opportunity for that."

There will be over 50 stallholders selling various local arts, crafts, local produce, food and drink and much more around the town, as well as face painting, free stickers, sweets, free kite making and free balloons.

Local schools and the Ukrainian Choir will be singing Christmas carols between 4 and 5 pm at both the Chapel in the Garden and Bucky Doo Square. 

If that wasn't exciting enough There will be an opportunity to visit Santa and his team of elves at the Arts Centre throughout the evening.

The full schedule of events is available here: 

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The programme of events for Bridport Christmas Cheer 2022The programme of events for Bridport Christmas Cheer 2022 (Image: Bridport Christmas Cheer)

For further information visit the Bridport Cheer Facebook page .