Dorset town 'buzzing' as hundreds watch Christmas lights switch-on

Hundreds of people packed out the square last week to watch 'Father Christmas' illuminate the lights in front of the crowds.

More than 20,000 lightbulbs provided the Dorset town with a festive glow, with the event also including a Christmas market brimming with stalls from several local charities. 

Visitors who braced the dwindling temperatures were warmed up with barbecue food and hot drinks as a tree in the centre of the square lit up as the focal point of the lights.

As well as the market, there was live music from the Crewkerne Phoenix Brass Band and Prout Bridge Youth Band, who performed everyone's favourite Christmas hits and traditional carols.

Beaminster School PTA held a Christmas Fair in St Mary’s Church with a variety of craft stalls, food and gifts, while there was also an opportunity for kids to visit Santa's grotto.

Meanwhile, the church was adorned with trees decorated by local school children. 

The switch-on was organised by Beaminster Town Council and clerk Christine Bright said the event was one of the first major ones in the town since the pandemic.

"The town was buzzing, it was a lovely atmosphere and we were lucky with the weather," she said.

"Santa's Grotto and the church fair were very popular. A lot of the local shops and restaurants did really well for the evening. We've had a lot of positive feedback. 

"This was the first big event we have had since COVID and we had to scale it down in previous years, but we built it back up to what we used to have.

"We would like to thank everyone who volunteered to help us; some members of the council put a lot of time and effort into it."