Victorian Evening 2015

Only 1 week to go until our Victorian Night and giant Christmas Lights switch on, Friday 27th November. This year the lights will be even better than ever. The Market House will be transformed with even better roof lights and the whispers are that there will be several new installations around town, too. And every light is LED so we are eco-friendly, as well.

Things get off to a flying start of during the day on Friday when there will be Children's Choirs from 6 local schools singing Christmas songs and carols in the Market House, starting with Neroche School at 10.00am, followed by Greenfylde at 11.00, Hambridge at 1.30, Ilton at 2.15, Swanmead at 3.00 and ending with East Coker at 4.00. Come along and help kick off the Victorian Night in terrific spirit. We are expecting over 120 people in the parade, which starts at 6.30 from Greenfylde School so do come down a bit early to enjoy it as it travels along Silver Street to the Market Square. Please note that because there are so many children involved with the parade we will be roping off a space in front of the Switch-on stage for them. This way we can be sure that the children are safely in an area for their parents to find them. And we reckon they deserve a good spot for all the effort that went into making their costumes. Speaking of which remember there is £50 in vouchers for spending in Ilminster as the first prize in the Victorian Fancy Dress Competition. This is open to all ages, singles, pairs, groups, children, grandparents, whoever. Just roll up to Greenfylde School (Silver Street entrance) before 6.15 on the night to collect your number, and you will be judged before 6.30pm. Winner announced after the lights Switch-on.

Don't forget there is the raffle to switch the lights on. Starting in the next few days you will find boxes in Bonners, Harrimans, Home Hardware and Cottage Flowers where you can enter your name - or maybe someone else such as your grandchild - to be picked out of the hat. It only costs £1 and the proceeds go towards the cost of the Victorian Night. Please make sure that you nominate someone who would be prepared to switch on the lights though! All this plus great hot food (try the fabulous crepes this year) and drinks. There will be three bands and, new this year, at the end of Silver Street near The Green House, there will be a Victorian Games Fair. The Victorian Night really is the start of Christmas in Ilminster, so come along and enjoy yourselves, and start your Christmas shopping in our specialist shops, many of them offering special discounts on the night.