TAUNTON could be short of festive spirit this year after the big Christmas light switch on event was cancelled.

Traders fear losing out on their bumper period following the news that the day-long celebration that attracts thousands of people is not taking place this year.

And families will be disappointed to miss out on one of the most popular days on the county town’s calendar.

A disgruntled businessman, who asked not to be named, said: “The last few years has been a last-minute panic to cobble together money to put on a show to get people into town.

“This year’s a total shambles.

“We were promised the planning would start in January and were assured Christmas would be fantastic this year.

“The lights switch on is the sort of thing that brings people to Taunton and kick starts everything.

“I hope this doesn’t have a long-term negative impact on the town’s image or businesses.”

A trader, who also requested anonymity, said: “So it’s official – Scrooge is the patron saint of Taunton.”

Plans were announced just last month for a day-long programme of music, entertainment and activities around the town centre, which would have been closed to traffic, leading up to the switch on.

The event, traditionally on a Sunday, had been scheduled for Saturday, November 28.

Taunton has suffered an 11th hour scramble for funding for the switch on over the past three years after the now defunct Taunton Trading Company felt unable to fund the illuminations.

Taunton Deane Council stepped in with £25,000 for the infrastructure and putting up the lights this year and next.

A spokeswoman for the authority said lights are going up in Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe and a programme of events is being finalised, with plans for “a feast of fun events and activities”.

Cllr Mark Edwards, events champion at the Deane House, said: “Whilst disappointing about the big, set-piece switch on, it’s more important that the maximum investment also goes into the Christmas lights themselves which will keep Taunton town centre truly festive for the four weeks up to Christmas.”

Castle Green will be lit up, with daily artisan crafts, street food and food producers’ markets, run by the Blackdown Hills Business Association, from December 1, staying open for the late night shopping on Thursdays.

Entertainment will include a blacksmith’s forge, with Santa’s Grotto in the Castle Hotel.

The council is funding street entertainment by Fuse Perfomance featuring fire and lights.

The spokeswoman said: “Extra efforts are being made to make Christmas magical for children, especially those in the less fortunate areas of the town.”

There are lantern-making workshops at The Brewhouse and youngsters will be creating a giant dragon to head a massive Children’s Parade through town.

Mr Edwards added: “It makes sense to concentrate our resources on creating a continuous programme of Christmas events and activities and to make the season a wonderful experience for children.

“If there’s a strong desire for a big switch-on next year, we will work with local businesses and partners on how to support the event.”