CHRISTMAS 2014: Great night for Ilminster's Victorian Evening and lights switch-on

THOUSANDS of people filled the town centre streets of Ilminster last night (Friday, November 21, 2014) for the annual Victorian Evening and the switching-on of the Christmas lights.

There was plenty of fun to be had for all the family with live music from the HMS Heron Volunteer Band, Ilminster Town Band and the Salvation Army Band, while there was a street puppet show for the youngsters and a lantern parade.

Ilminster Lions Club members were on hand with the all-important mulled wine, while many of the shops stayed open for late night shopping with staff wearing Victorian costume.

The big moment of the night came at 7pm when members of the well-known Sainsbury family from Ilminster were given the important task of pressing the plunger to illuminate the town with the colourful festive lights after they had won the honour in a draw.

PHOTO – TOP: Ilminster town crier Andrew Fox and youngsters at the switching-on of the Christmas lights on November 21, 2014.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Merry-making at Ilminster’s Victorian Evening are lifelong friends Sue Spurway (left) and Janey Pengelly.

Volunteers on the Ilminster Christmas Lights Committee have spent about £5,000 this year on buying and improving lights.

Committee chairman Clinton Bonner said: “Victorian Night is one of the biggest nights on the Ilminster calendar and I would like to thank everyone who makes it possible – from the Chamber of Trade, to the traders and the guys on the lights committee.

“I would particularly like to thank the lights team for all their work throughout the year – it is down to these volunteers who give up their time to do this work that makes Ilminster’s lights a jewel in the crown in this part of the county.”

Mr Bonner would like to thank Sibley Bros builders, Bradfords of Ilminster for materials, Mrs Young, Duncan Cecil, Mynster Motors and Kim Tutcher for their donations and assistance.

There was a great atmosphere as families and people of all ages enjoyed the ever-successful event which has become such an important date in the Ilminster community calendar.

And once again the organisers were blessed from above as the evening stayed dry and warm – despite rain throughout the day.

The weather certainly helped to encourage people to come out in their thousands to support the event.

The countdown to Christmas has well and truly started in Ilminster.

More photos from last night’s festive event in Ilminster can be found here on this link: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2014/11/22/ilminster-christmas-lights-2014/.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Members of the Sainsbury family switched on the Christmas lights in Ilminster.

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