TODAY is the big day as Christmas events and shopping is set to get Bridport well and truly into the festive spirit.
The extremely merry Bridport Christmas Cheer event is set to make a triumphant return from 3.30pm-8pm.
A Christmas market will trail its way along East, South and West Streets, offering visitors the chance to browse a selection of local goods and perhaps find the perfect, unique Christmas gift.
Aside from shopping, there will be a wide variety of entertainment throughout the evening, with Christmas carols by local primary schools starting at 3.40pm.
A very special Christmas Showcase performance will be hosted by Perfect Pirouettes in WI Hall in North Street at 5pm.
One of the most highly anticipated events of the day – the lantern parade – will start from the Lyric Theatre at 6.45pm and will see crowds parading down the street as darkness hits, illuminating the way with lanterns.
The Christmas fun doesn’t stop there as there will be a selection of events taking place at Bridport Museum including carols at 6pm.
There will also be a funfair for kids to enjoy on South Street as well as balloon making workshops and a guest appearance from Spider-Cam.
Father Christmas will be making an extra special guest appearance outside Bridport Arts Centre as the countdown to Christmas begins
The highlight of the evening will see the town’s Christmas lights switched on - marking an official start to the festive season in Bridport.
Free parking will be available in all Dorset Council and Bridport Town Council car parks around the town in support of the day.
Plenty of businesses around the town will stay open until late, whilst additional arts and crafts stalls will also be located within Bridport Town Hall and Bridport Arts Centre.
From 4.30pm-8pm, shoppers can head down towards East Street and enjoy coffee and mince pies, as well as carol singing courtesy of Bridport Christian Fellowship.
The teams at Soulshine and The Woodman are running their annual Sausagefest from 5pm and guests can roam between both establishments and enjoy beers, live music and the amazing hot dog menu - the evening even ends with a chilli dog eating contest.
There are plenty of other events taking place around Bridport on the day and for more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/bridportchristmascheer/?locale=en_GB
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