CHRISTMAS 2015: Festive lights operation is a big team effort

ILMINSTER Christmas Lights committee chairman Clinton Bonner has thanked everyone for their continued support which has helped to make the festive town centre decorations some of the best for miles around.

Mr Bonner said it was an all-round team effort with the hard-working committee who work throughout the year on the lights, before erecting them and nearly 80 Christmas trees in the town centre and the two large trees in the Minster churchyard.

He also paid a special thank you to secretary, John Bishop, who is leaving the committee after this Christmas.

“After the switch-on the twinkling lights will mark the start of the run-up to Christmas for the town’s traders who provide a wide selection of goods and services so make sure you support them,” said Mr Bonner.

“The town always puts on a fantastic display which is the envy of many other towns in the area and even the region and it provides an excellent kick-start for Christmas.”

PHOTO - TOP: Ilminster Christmas Lights committee chairman Clinton Bonner.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Members of the Christmas Lights team putting up the lights earlier this month in Ilminster.

The lights will officially be switched-on at 7pm on Friday (November 27, 2015) as part of the annual Victorian Evening which attracts thousands of people into the centre of Ilminster.

Altogether, the Lights Committee has spent about £6,000 this year on buying and improving lights and without contributions from the public and fund-raising in memory of loved-ones it would not be possible to put on such a display.

Volunteers have been busy putting up the lights since the last week in October - it needs a few weeks to get around the town to erect all the garlands, the work being carried out at night or Sunday mornings when there are less people around and fewer cars.

And make sure you look at the special displays in the traders windows on Victorian Night as often they have to be changed over the Christmas period.

Mr Bonner added: “I hope we will have provided a magnificent evening for the residents and that everyone enjoys themselves. Donations for the street light displays are always welcome and there will be collectors out on the night.”

So on Friday, November 27, the run-up to Christmas officially starts in Ilminster - book the date and make the most of it by visiting the traders who will be staying open until 8.30pm, some later.

There will be £50 in vouchers to spend in Ilminster shops as the first prize in the Victorian fancy dress competition. It is open to all ages for singles, pairs, groups, children and adults - turn up at GreenfyldeSchool (Silver Street entrance) before 6.15pm.

Tags:
Leisure.