WELLINGTON will be sparkling tonight (November 30) when the town’s Christmas lights get switched on.

Families will pack the streets for an afternoon of fun-filled activities to get in the festive spirit.

Entertainment starts at 4pm in High Street with the switch flicked at 6pm by town Mayor Gloria Copley and St John’s Primary School pupils Amy Thorne and Brandyn Paske.

Debbie Bere, assistant clerk at Wellington Town Council, said: “The council is excited to announce that the festivities will include live music from band Filta and the Skintight Samba Band, as well as the Majorettes and Wellington Pantomime Group.”

Representatives from the fire and police services will be on the street promoting recent campaigns and the annual Celebration of Light will be taking place at the Quaker Meeting House.

Children from Rockwell Green Primary School will be warming crowds by putting on a Nativity display while there will be traditional festive carols sung around the Christmas tree.

Youngsters can take the chance to visit Santa in his grotto and this year’s Christmas message will be given by the Rev Tim Treanor, recently appointed rector of the Wellington and district team ministry.

The switch-on coincides with the final day of promotions at more than 50 shops in Wellington.

For the five Saturdays in November, traders agreed to hold a host of offers and decorate the outside of the shop with red and green balloons in a bid to lure people into town, rather than to Taunton or Exeter.

That day also marks the start of a Taunton Deane Council initiative to waive car parking charges on the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

Debbie added: “There will be great entertainment and performances throughout and we look forward to welcoming thousands of people and celebrating with you there.”

See photos from the switch-on at somersetcountygazette.co.uk and in next week’s paper.