Both Radstock and Westfield have welcomed in the Christmas month of festivities with their annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, both taking place last week.

Midsomer Norton’s follows this Friday, 7th December with ‘Carols by Laserlight’, organised by Churches Together. It will run from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Methodist Church and Hollies Garden, with the lights countdown at 7.10 p.m.

The Journal team have been out and about covering these events, enjoying some carol singing, hot chocolate and plenty of mince pies. Were any of our readers lucky enough to meet Father Christmas?

Thursday, 29th November saw the annual switch-on of the Westfield Parish Christmas lights. For the most part, the weather held and everyone got into the festive spirit.

Once again, the large crowds enjoyed mulled wine and a mince pie, the children were able to say hello to Father Christmas; receiving a small free gift from him, and carols were sung, led by Westfield Voices and Westfield Primary School choir, accompanied by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver band.

The lights were very ably switched on by Chloe Porter of Westfield Primary School and Yuki Fernando of the Fosse Way School, after a countdown from the Chair of Westfield Parish Council, Geoff Fuller.

Cllr Fuller said: “It is always a pleasure to see the young people of Westfield having such community spirit, meaning that they are a part of one of the most celebrated moments in Westfield each year.

“The event is growing in popularity, and even the rain didn’t put people off this time. Thank you all for coming along and making it a real community event to be proud of.”

Huge thanks has to go to all those already mentioned, and also to AF Denning, who provided the electrics, making sure the lights came on at the right time; Strode Sounds, who very kindly offered their services to make sure the choirs and readings could be heard, and Revd Ian Rousell, of St Peter’s Church, who once again gave a thought-provoking reading.

Gordon Hunt, from Trinity Methodist Church, was on hand to allow the St John Ambulance to use the church if needed – luckily, that did not happen. The Network Scouts did a grand job once again of keeping people safe around the roads and, of course, thanks to Father Christmas for giving us some of his very precious time at what is a very busy time of year for him.

Radstock’s turn for a festive celebration came on Saturday, 1st December, with an Edwardian Christmas taking place at the Museum to kick the event off.

Volunteers dressed as chimney sweeps and schoolteachers helped local children with family-friendly arts and crafts, including making a lantern for a procession through the Miners’ Memorial Garden to link the two events, together, with the Christmas light switch-on.

Radstock Baptist Church were handing out free hot chocolate and mince pies for those that had gathered, with the Town’s Mayor, alongside local musicians, leading the carol singing. Father Christmas was also in attendance, as part of the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions carol float tour, which will be visiting an area near you, soon!

Switching on the lights this year were some very special guests from Lançon-Provence, France, who have recently twinned with Radstock and had been invited to visit the area.