On Sunday, November 23, Taunton will officially be getting the return of Winterfest, a festive event held annually thanks to the Taunton Town Council. Last year, Winterfest was cancelled amid dangerous weather conditions caused by Storm Bert.
This led to many disappointed people in Taunton, as the town’s Christmas lights were turned on with no official switch-on event.
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Things are already in motion ahead of Winterfest on November 23, with the town council revealing a large locally sourced 30-foot Christmas Tree generously donated by Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm, outside the Market House on Fore Street by Wheeler and Son, with support from Somerset Council.
This year, Taunton’s seasonal high-street lighting includes Bath Place and St James Street, as well as the usual town centre locations. Due to a supplier schedule, additional lights will be installed after the official light switch-on event, ensuring they are all in place well ahead of Christmas.
Organised by Ben De-Vey’s Family Fun Fair and sponsored by TTC, Winterfest will be packed with free family entertainment, including Christmas markets, live performances, Glow and Gift workshops, and more.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm on the day, led this year by “local hero”, Somerset County Cricket team captain, Lewis Gregory.
The cricketer, 33, has played for Somerset CC since 2010 and is the current captain of the club. Lewis has played in three One Day Internationals and nine IT20s for England. He made his ODI debut in 2021 and his IT20 debut in 2019, and has also been included in Test squads but has yet to play a Test match.
After captaining the side to a Vitality Blast victory this summer, he also recently signed a new deal that will keep him at Somerset until the end of the 2027 season.
Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Martin Straus, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is such a special moment, bringing the whole town together to celebrate. After last year’s cancellation due to severe weather, we’re excited for a bigger, brighter, and even more magical event this year.
“We hope everyone enjoys exploring the shops, meeting friends, and soaking up the festive atmosphere while supporting our wonderful local businesses.
“A huge thank you to all our staff, partners, and volunteers for helping make Christmas in Taunton so special.”
Taunton will be filled with festive cheer every Saturday in December, as talented street performers, lively musicians, joyful choirs, and rousing brass bands bring music, laughter, and Christmas magic around the town centre, in various locations, including St James Street and the High Street, all thanks to Taunton Town Council.
Talented musicians are warmly encouraged to busk in the town centre this festive season. No licence is required, and helpful guidelines are available on the council’s website.
This year, the Mayor of Taunton has chosen to share the Alderman Spears’ contribution to the Christmas Fund between two local projects: Taunton Foodbank and Christmas Sparkle, ensuring that people of all ages in our community can benefit and enjoy the festive season.
Taunton Mayor, Martin Strauss, added: “With lights, music, and festive events across the town, Taunton is ready to shop, sip and sparkle this Christmas.
“Come and join the celebration.”
As well as festive cheer in Taunton town centre, ‘Carols Around the Bandstand’ is returning to Vivary Park on Monday, December 8. Funds raised at the event will go to the Mayor’s charity this year, Bold and Brave (Young Somerset).
