ILMINSTER’S show-stopping Christmas lights are set to be bigger and better than ever this year following the committee’s AGM.

Changes to the current lights are in the works as well as some brand new features set to go on show when the lights are turned on in November.

The committee also celebrated a recent donation by Ilminster independent trader Cottage Flowers.

Angie Blackwell and Jacalyn Arscott led a Winter Wonderland demonstration at Warehouse Theatre and raised more than £1,000 over two days with more than 100 people through the doors.

Holly Harris and Laura Searle from the East Street business donated £500 to the Ilminster Christmas Lights Committee.

The garland installed in 2016 at the entrance of Greenfylde School is set to be moved further up Silver Street and there are plans to purchase a new garland featuring Santa Claus.

The Season’s Greetings banner at the entrance to Silver Street is to be replaced following a donation from a member of the public and new snowflake features will be installed along Strawberry Bank.

Clinton Bonner, committee chairman, added: “We also are planning to improve the Market House illuminations, and we are looking into some form of Christmas lights at the top of East Street, but there are restrictions due to lack of height.

“Traders’ Christmas trees will remain at £35 and we put up over 75 this year so great thanks to all traders that gave their support.”

In addition this year the committee is getting all of the anchor bolt points for garlands tested after a public appeal last year raised nearly £2,000 towards this work.

The big lights switch on is set to take place on Victorian Night on Friday, November 17.

Mr Bonner said a loss of £1,182 was made on the year after buying new features but feedback from the public was that the lights were better than ever in 2016.

He added: “We are the envy of many larger towns and despite the poor weather in 2016 it was still an excellent evening. I wish to thank the people of Ilminster and the town council for their continued support of the lights committee, especially with the appeal for the anchor bolt testing. We will continue to improve our features to give the town a fantastic festive show.

“We have an excellent team now who give all their time so generously through the year. We also help with the flags and banners for IMEX, so it is a year round job.