Westfield Parish Council held its Christmas celebration and light switch-on last Thursday, 24th November. The Christmas tree was lit up, with a visit from Father Christmas and carol singing alongside the Westfield Ladies’ Choir and the Midsomer Norton Silver Band.

There were mince pies and mulled wine as Westfield residents enjoyed festive refreshment. The switch-on honour was carried out by children from Westfield Primary School – Ava, Verity, Oliver and Jenna, and Fosse Way School student, Sam.

Westfield Parish Council has to give huge thanks to everyone that helped out – Tony Denning, for putting up the trees with lights and arranging all the electrics on the night, the Co-op for providing the electricity for the lights on the trees around the shops, Shamus of Strode Sounds for making sure the choir could be heard, Westfield Ladies’ Choir for their beautiful rendition of carols and the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band for accompanying them.

Thanks must also be given to the Revd Rob Widdowson for his uplifting words on the evening, and to Cllr Pat Williams and Kirk Williams for serving the mulled wine and mince pies.

Sarah Westell and Rob Wicke from The Big Local were on site, with a stand offering glow sticks to children and highlighting the funds available to local groups.

Luckington Carnival Club were also stewarding on the evening, keeping people safe from the road.

And of course, the evening wouldn’t be the same without Father Christmas being there to talk to all the children and give out a small gift to each one that went to see him. Thanks to Cllr Diana Cooper for helping Father Christmas on the night!

This event in Westfield is growing each year, and it is a real pleasure to see lots of Westfield residents coming along and taking part in this community event.

Next up is Midsomer Norton’s Christmas switch-on event on Friday evening, 2nd December, which kicks off from 6 p.m. in the Hollies Garden, with Radstock’s the following day on Saturday, 3rd December at the Miner’s Wheel from 3.45 p.m., with the light switch-on at 4.30 p.m.

The Big Local Nativity competition is running in Radstock shops, with the Museum Open Day and Victorian Christmas from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.