ILMINSTER is set to turn back time for the Christmas lights switch-on and Victorian Evening extravaganza later this week.

The event, which will take place on Friday evening, has been running for more than 25 years and often sees crowds come from around the county to see the Ilminster lit up.

The theme for this year’s event is A Winter Wonderland and will once again see the town’s shops open in the evening with some offering special discounts and refreshments.

Clinton Bonner, Ilminster Lights Committee chairman, said: “It is only thanks to the generosity of traders and members of the public that the lights have all been checked and upgraded where necessary.

“We are all set for a wonderful night and Christmas season, but it couldn’t be done without the support of our wonderful team of volunteers.

“We do get the odd comments about putting the lights up too early, but it must be remembered that some of the team come home from work and then straight out again to help put up lights so we do appreciate everything they do.

“We also have to be safety conscious – not only for the team putting the lights up but also for the public. Thank you to everyone for being so patient.”

Michael Fry-Foley, one of the event’s organisers, said: “Friday, November 18 is the official start of Christmas in Ilminster, when the town’s famous Christmas lights are switched during its Victorian Evening.

“This event has been going on for more than 25 years and is generally acknowledged to be the best Christmas event among the market towns in South Somerset.”

Schools will be provideding a chorus of Christmas songs throughout the day before the event kicks off with the lantern parade around 6.30pm.

More than 100 lanterns will be carried from Greenfylde School to Market Square led by Father Christmas on his new environmentally-friendly eSleigh.

The lights switch-on is then set to take place at 7pm with more than 80 trees to be illuminated in the town.

Other entertainment on offer includes three bands, choirs, the Martock Puppet, a Santa’s Grotto in the Ile Youth Club, a Christmas Fair in the Parish Hall and other stalls in Swan Precinct.

Meanwhile, children can enjoy a large fun fair with many rides and there will be great hot foods and sweets. For adults the Lions will be providing warm seasonal drinks from two bars.