Yeovil set for big Christmas light switch on event
Released On 14th Nov 2019
We are excited to announce that this year’s Christmas light switch on is taking place on Thursday 28 November.
Make your way to Yeovil town centre for live music, giveaways and, of course, the return of the 6th annual lantern parade.
In a colourful procession around the town centre, the lantern parade will help to light up the town before the official switch on event at the bandstand in Middle Street.
Love Yeovil and South Somerset District Council have, once again, teamed up to run free lantern making workshops ahead of the parade. The best three lanterns will be announced during the countdown and will win a special prize.
A spokesman for South Somerset District Council, said: “This is another great community night for Yeovil which is coming up fast. Don't miss out on this colourful and exuberant evening when our lanterns will light up the town centre ahead of the light switch-on.”
Lantern Workshops
Our lantern making workshop was so popular that all the places for this year have now been filled. If you didn’t manage to secure a spot – don’t panic! You can still take part in the lantern parade by making your lantern at home.
Check out this video for full instructions on how to easily create a lantern at home.
Light switch-on
Join hundreds of other people and celebrate the Christmas light switch-on at the bandstand in Middle Street on Thursday 28 November.
The evening begins at 4:30pm with a service at St John’s church. Be sure to make your way to the bandstand as the stage goes live at 5pm.
Hosted by The Breeze FM, the event will be packed with entertainment to get us all into the Christmas spirit. From pantomime stars to rocking live music from local talent Black River Sinners and Snakebyte, it is set to be a great night! Not forgetting an appearance from the most important guest of all – Father Christmas.
The countdown to the big switch on will begin at 6:30pm. The ‘design a Christmas light’ competition winner will be pressing the button to turn on the amazing show of lights throughout the town centre, kindly organised by Yeovil Town Council.
In a change from last year, St John’s church will be the starting point for the lantern parade, allowing for your lanterns to light up even more of the town! The parade will set off at 5:30pm.
Throughout the evening, St John’s will be hosting refreshments, as well as an array of activities, including children’s crafts and a tour of the bell tower.
Lower Middle Street will be transformed into a fun fair. Check out the rides before filling up on food from the local stalls.
Timings for the evening’s events:
4:30pm - 5pm – Service in St John’s church
5pm – Stage goes live with giveaways from The Breeze, Bandstand
5:15pm – Gathering of lanterns for the parade outside St John’s Church
5:30pm – Lantern parade sets off from St John’s church
6pm – Live music from Black River Sinners at the Bandstand
6:30pm – Countdown to Switch On and winners of Lantern parade announced
7pm – Live music from SnakeByte at the Bandstand
8pm – Event comes to an end
Late night Shopping Experience
The switch-on event marks the start of late night shopping in Yeovil town centre. From Thursday 28 November, many of the town centre’s shops will be open late every Thursday leading up to Christmas.
Check the Love Yeovil Facebook page for details of shop opening times leading up to Christmas.
There’s no rush to get back to the car before your ticket runs out as parking is free after 6pm in SSDC owned car parks and the Quedam Shopping Centre multi-storey car park. You can find more information at www.quedamshopping.co.uk.
Yeovil Christmas Market
On Sunday 8 December, Yeovil will host the Yeovil Town Christmas Market. You will find a range of local stalls throughout the Quedam Shopping Centre, Middle Street and The Manor Hotel offering festive gifts, food, drinks and more.
The market will be open from 10am to 4pm, so be sure to come along for some festive fun while supporting your local town centre!
Photo credit to Len Copland
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