As lockdown ends and we begin to contemplate what Christmas will look like for all of us in this extraordinary year, a group of 24 Midsomer Norton households will be taking part in an Advent Window Trail to bring joy to local families.

Determined to promote festive cheer, local resident, Joanna Martin, and her daughters, wrote a note telling neighbours about her idea to light up the street – and posted it through the door of every house along Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton.

Joanna asked for those interested in hosting an Advent Window trail to get in touch, and remarkably, 24 residents have come forward! The great switch-on began on Tuesday this week (1st December) and families are invited to go out on a festive walk to find the numbered windows.

The Radstock Road Advent Trail takes the form as a treasure hunt and starts from the traffic lights, at Tim Martin Photography and as far as Radstock Window Warehouse and Wishford Mews. Lights will go on from 6 pm this week and will remain on throughout December.

Joanna told The Journal: “The reason I decided to organise the trail was because my girls loved spotting the rainbows earlier this year, and we wanted to do something that people could take part in from the safety of their homes. I also really wanted to get to know my neighbours more – so it was win win for me!”

Those taking part in the trail need to write the house number next to the corresponding window number on a piece of paper, cut it out and post their entry in the box located outside of Tim Martin Photography (the house next to the Scout Hut), with their name, address and telephone number.

There are three prizes up for grabs and entries will be treated like a raffle – the first three pulled out will win a prize. The raffle will take place between Christmas and New Year.

Resident, Hayley Spiller, who has been helping organise the trail, said: “We are excited about the event and think it will be something nice to do, as there have been no events this year.

“I would certainly like to think that this could become an annual event, as it has been a lot of fun to plan and make a festive window!”

More details can be found on the Radstock Road Advent Window Trail Facebook page – local families are all warmly

welcomed to take part.

Organisers say: “2020 has been difficult and we would all love to bring some festive fun to these dark winter nights. “Come along and see how many you can find!

“We wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”