Thousands enjoy Christmas lights switch-on

7:20pm Sunday 21st November 2010 in News

The Heliosphere floats above the crowd The Heliosphere floats above the crowd

THOUSANDS of people gathered in Taunton town centre this evening for the annual Christmas lights switch on.

In the build-up Father Christmas thrilled the children on stage in front of the Market House.

He and the Carnival Royalty were drawn to the Market House in a horse and carriage, to the sounds of the Blackdown Hills Samba Band.

And an added attraction this year was a heliosphere which saw a woman floating above the crowds as two men guided her around.

The show lasted about 15 minutes, the last five minutes of which coincided with the impressive fireworks display.

Castle Green also hosted a funfair for adults and children.

Tell us what you thought of the switch-on weekend - just fill in the Your Say box below.

We have put some of the issues raised by readers to town centre manager Graham Love - see the County Gazette on Thursday, November 25, to see what he said.

Click on the Related Links below for a full photo gallery of the event.

Related links

Comments(30)

tf1123 says...
9:25pm Sun 21 Nov 10

Driving through town. If you blink you miss them.

Theres more branches on a Lolly Stick.

Also where are all the lights that used to go across the road? why are we using the normal building lights, leaving the walls bare?

County Town of Somerset... pfft. Ilminster's Lights are better

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tauntonborn says...
8:07am Mon 22 Nov 10

Couldn't get anywhere near the stage or hear anything that was being said. Lights are quite poor, the trees that line the streets used to lit up and looked so pretty, such a shame we've cut back. The tree is poor too, but I understand there is a shortage of tree's this year. never mind.

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Sunnybums says...
10:11am Mon 22 Nov 10

tf1123 Grow up ! Look around you there are cuts everywhere you sound like a petulant child.
(Illminster lights are better !!) Go to Illminster then.

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Sunnybums says...
10:12am Mon 22 Nov 10

tf1123 Grow up ! Look around you there are cuts everywhere you sound like a petulant child.
(Illminster lights are better !!) Go to Illminster then.

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Tauntonemail says...
11:04am Mon 22 Nov 10

After attending the lights switch on in Taunton on Sunday all I can say is what a disappointment!!

My family and I were stood around HMV area and could hardly hear a single thing of what was on stage. All that could be heard over the muffled speakers were the complaints of the people around us.

Those poor children who were singing on stage were putting their all into their performances and they could not be heard except if you were standing within the first few rows of the audience! Was there much point in having them there if the people attending could not hear them???

Another thing was the balloon floating in the sky! This was not even announced – it was just left to people to realise it had already started and then after a few minutes it became very much the same thing so 15 minutes of this became very boring. And our finale of fireworks-what happened? The lady with the balloon was still in the air and they started, again with no announcement!! Are we supposed to be psychic and just know that things are starting?

Congratulations to our county town Taunton, 2 years in a row this event has been diabolical. Is it not time to make a change and put on an event people can actually hear what’s going on and be able to enjoy it?????

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*Flick* says...
12:25pm Mon 22 Nov 10

I ended up getting there too late and missing it all, but it sounds like I didn't miss much!

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Moobag30 says...
2:25pm Mon 22 Nov 10

I have to say the entertainment would have been godd if the people working the sound system knew what they were doing.

I was right at the front and felt sick as the speakers were so loud it was vibrating through me. I couldn't believe the dancers were on the floor and not the stage even though I was at the front I couldn't see them so how the people at the back were supposed to see I will never know!
The lights were switched on and all I could see was the very sparce xmas tree! The other lights were hidden behind the helliosphere. Then we had to weait around again for the rubbish fireworks.
All in all a very big disappointment, the money spent on the entertainment could be spent on make the lights and decoration better, for a county town it is shocking.
I certainly won't be going next year, a very poor show in my opinion!

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Hersheyboy says...
3:14pm Mon 22 Nov 10

Why can’t we go back to having it on a Thursday night and just have Christmas Carols playing over a speaker system that works (which isn’t too loud) or is that no longer PC?

Who ever organises this needs to be relieved of their post as that’s 2 very poor years on the trot, this isn’t X Factor so why has it become a show all of a sudden, spend the money on lights and a decent tree instead.

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s1xbx says...
3:27pm Mon 22 Nov 10

I totally agree with this person thursday night switch on was loads better at least u could browse the shopes after and get in a better christmas spirt and to be fair the last 2 years have been very dissapointing, and they call Taunton the county of somerset even i have more decorations on my tree.

Everywhere else gets famous people to switch lights on and we get father christmas and mayor its a joke and a sad state of affair shame on taunton council, and this is what we pay council taxes for.

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Dr Dave says...
6:00pm Mon 22 Nov 10

My goodness......you're a grumpy bunch!

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mauricebutcher says...
6:46pm Mon 22 Nov 10

I think the switching of the lights was a great disapointment this year. we understand cut backs, But cut back on the entertainment and spend more on the lights. What happend to the lights in the trees, cost effective and cheap.
On the switch on, there was no mention in the gazette about times for switch on. Also on the night no trial for the count down. When you get comments " was that it " and "have they been switched on". You could not see anything from the right of the parade due to vans and trailers. Please improve for the "County Towns" image. Put lights in the other trees on the parade as previos years.
Oh And Merry Christmas to all, I love this festive period.

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S-Pearce says...
8:23pm Mon 22 Nov 10

>> Utter Shambles

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S-Pearce says...
8:25pm Mon 22 Nov 10

Utter Shambles

Can I just say after the turn out on Wednesday for the homecoming parade in Taunton for our troops, and the spirit that people gave despite the appalling weather really made me feel proud to say I live in Taunton.

Myself & my family were really looking forward to the Christmas lights being turned on, The weather was kind, The Town was filled with lots of lovely little stalls, there was something for everyone, But I’m afraid that is where all the good work ended,

The organization of the bands and the entertainment, no one seem to really know what they were doing, at one point the Samba band were coming up through Fore Street at the same time as a street dancing display was going on, on stage with a very different type of music that was being blasted out so loud, but very distorted that it was very unpleasant to listen to. There were lots of people around me just cringing. with embarrassment as much as anything else.

Then the finale the lights being turned on with Fireworks in the background, well what a complete disaster, where were the lights well the tree was just visible, but where are all the other Christmas lights, after walking home feeling totally disgusted, I did see a twinkle in the sky at 6.11pm, Oh that was the Fireworks!

I feel that Taunton is being let down, Being the County town of Somerset our lights and Christmas displays should outshine all others around us, Wellington always looks fabulous it’s a great pity I cant say the same for Taunton. Many people I have spoken to since have all said they are not going to bother next year, which is a real shame, come on who ever organized these things, last year was a shambles and I thought lessons would have been learnt from that. So come on pull your socks up and make Taunton stand out from the crowd but for the right reasons.

Mrs Pearce
Manor Road Taunton

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tf1123 says...
9:13pm Mon 22 Nov 10

Sunnybums wrote:
tf1123 Grow up ! Look around you there are cuts everywhere you sound like a petulant child.
(Illminster lights are better !!) Go to Illminster then.
Sorry if i sound a bit like a petulant child. But i suppose it comes with being an 18year old with pretty high expectations

I merely said that Ilminster's lights are better to point out the fact that a smaller town like Ilminster has clearly had more money spent on it than the county town.

Also another thing to add to my little list of ''petulant'' comments.

Why are they re-doing the lights on the tree tonight? Not get it right the first time?

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rossrice says...
9:37pm Mon 22 Nov 10

The switch on of the xmas lights was most disapointing,How much of local businesses money did this half hearted effort cost? In my opinion a couple of hundred quid.

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Taunton_Auckland says...
2:41am Tue 23 Nov 10

As an outside looking in, it sounds like Taunton has become as bad as Highbridge.

I do not like to criticise; I understand that cutbacks may have had an adverse affect, but two years in a row?

I wonder what Highbridge is like this year....?

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nwilson says...
8:32am Tue 23 Nov 10

I think we should all say well done to the council. With all the budget cuts its good to see them saving money by reusing last years tree!

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Brenda-Taunton says...
12:36pm Tue 23 Nov 10

What a shambles !

Throughout the day things were really nice, lots of stalls and things to do. Well done Taunton Deane...

But what ever happened to the main event!

1- You could not hear anything, or when you could hear all the microphones were going wrong. Those poor children on stage, including my grand daughter who was in the front row of the choir with a microphone above her head somewhere and I couldn’t even hear them. TDBC you let them down... AGAIN 2 years in a row!!
Unless you were right in front of the stage forget being there....

2- The stage area looked like a disused building site. I know things are tough out there but with a little thought it could of looked lovely.

3- What ever happened to the light switch on, The tree lit up and a few down the street!
Where were the fireworks NO announcement saying they were on Nothing!!!
All of a sudden the lady in the air.. Very nice, but then the fireworks started going off again with no announcement.
There were dancers on the stage for 15 sec and 30 sec.???? Whats that about!
Then the samba band..... Was no body taking charge?

One of my best friends is called John Williams. Sadly Not THE Councillor John Williams.
If it was I would ask him to sack the Councillor that was in charge...


I have lived in Taunton all my life, last year was bad but well done TDBC you have learnt nothing.

An Absolute Disaster!!!

Brenda.

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Philips says...
3:22pm Tue 23 Nov 10

tf1123 wrote:
Driving through town. If you blink you miss them. Theres more branches on a Lolly Stick. Also where are all the lights that used to go across the road? why are we using the normal building lights, leaving the walls bare? County Town of Somerset... pfft. Ilminster's Lights are better
It is extraordinary that with so many expert events organisers (judging by the other comments) that Taunton finds it so difficult to please everyone. To be critical of the events is so easy as to do so carries no responsibility.

With what I assume was very limited funding is it astonshing that so much entertainment was provided with support from both the business and local community.

As one of the audiance I thought Santa Claus was a great improvement on last year, the samba band were terrific (more please next time), the fire dancers great, the helioshpere brilliant, the fun fair in Castle Green just that ~ fun and the fireworks as good as ever.

If there is a criticisim it is that some people's expectations were not managed effectively, and perhaps they need to be more realistic in future.

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Mc@Cloud says...
4:25pm Tue 23 Nov 10

TDBC council is full of lazy jobs worths! Who look to make their life as easy as possible. Only the other week I received out of the blue a summons for non payment of £700 council tax that I had paid. It took 4 phone calls and some strong words before anyone rang me back. All I got in the end was a voice mail saying the summons had been canceled. That was it no apology or explanation thats how highly they think of themselves their staff. It took 4 phone calls and threats to get any response. When I called I was told it was canceled because they realised I did not owe the money no apology again. They have also wasted tiem and money and £40 court fee raising the summons. Public sector jobs worths who wouldnt survive 5 mins in the private sector making such grave errors. This not the first time either!

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Kwilkon says...
6:44pm Tue 23 Nov 10

Thought it was a fabulous day - plenty to do and see. Bumped into Santa Claus, thought he was very believable and the grandchildren even had a ride on his sleigh which they absolutely loved. Had read that there would be reindeer and there were 4 of them! A lovely touch and really put us in the festive mood. Left at 4 so didn't see the finale, but in my opinion the daytime events were excellent.

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Local74 says...
8:02pm Tue 23 Nov 10

I must say as a local business who attend the day and provided free childrens activities, we had a fantastic day!
The town was busy with families from about 10am to stopping when it got to dark to see what we were doing!
This was our third year attending, and we never see the final show, as we are working throughout, it a free family show and maybe in the age of major special effect across many mediums of entertainment, we have to high an expectation of what might happen. I think the lights are very pretty, and my young children think they are a magical start to Christmas!

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hwttavpa says...
8:07pm Tue 23 Nov 10

tf1123 wrote:
Driving through town. If you blink you miss them.

Theres more branches on a Lolly Stick.

Also where are all the lights that used to go across the road? why are we using the normal building lights, leaving the walls bare?

County Town of Somerset... pfft. Ilminster's Lights are better
Having been part of the day as The Taunton Academy, I would like to thank the organisers for putting on a special occasion which catered for people of all ages. Yes, there may have been a few minor problems, but surely we must look at the huge numbers that supported the day, the wonderful response that our school, The Taunton Academy as well as Taunton School and all the other people who gave up their time for free received.
Having been on site to help with setting up equipment, marquees, moving fencing plus a host of other jobs which were paying me the sum of zero pounds, may I suggest that for next year, all the people who did not take part but who are happy to criticise could meet with the organisers, offer their help from 6am until 9pm on the day of the Christmas Light switch on to prevent any problems taking place.
I have three children, and like many children there, they enjoyed Father Christmas, the fireworks, the balloon as well as the entertainment on stage(they had to say they enjoyed the We Will Rock You songs!!!). I for one am looking forward to next year and hopefully being part of the Christmas Lights switch on so to all the organisers and helpers may I say a huge thank you for what you gave us in Taunton this year. Huw Weston, Head of Visual and Performing Arts at The Taunton Academy.

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hwttavpa says...
8:15pm Tue 23 Nov 10

If you liked what you heard, the We Will Rock You songs, from The Taunton Academy then please come down to the Orchard shopping centre this Thursday from 6pm where you will be entertained again for free. You will hear the full choir, soloists, instrumentalists as well as the debut performance of the Taunton Academy carol, "Bells are Ringing", written by the hugely talented, Wesley Williams. It will be a great evening of entertainment. Again supported by Taunton Town and Westside Music

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kevstratton says...
8:52pm Tue 23 Nov 10

I feel the need to spell a few things out as a proud man of Taunton. 1) Much better than last year, great range of stalls, a real festive feel to the town centre. 2) As a professional, I must say the sound system was absolutely spot on. Many people comment and grumble but not enough people say when something works. A real improvement on last year, good job! 3) as for the lack of lights - I am just grateful I still have a job paid for by the County Council - the thought of local officials spending our money on garlard when key services are being cut just highlights the shear ignorance of some people. GOOD JOB AND WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED! I felt Christmas-y, for a few short hours in this depressing season I felt good - am off my soap box now. Merry Christmas EVERYONE!!!

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tf1123 says...
9:09pm Tue 23 Nov 10

I wasn't slating the entertainment, market stalls (they're amazing every year), any festivities leading up to the switch on.

I just simply said that the lights were a bit lacking on last years.

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S-Pearce says...
7:50am Wed 24 Nov 10

hwttavpa wrote:
tf1123 wrote:
Driving through town. If you blink you miss them.

Theres more branches on a Lolly Stick.

Also where are all the lights that used to go across the road? why are we using the normal building lights, leaving the walls bare?

County Town of Somerset... pfft. Ilminster's Lights are better
Having been part of the day as The Taunton Academy, I would like to thank the organisers for putting on a special occasion which catered for people of all ages. Yes, there may have been a few minor problems, but surely we must look at the huge numbers that supported the day, the wonderful response that our school, The Taunton Academy as well as Taunton School and all the other people who gave up their time for free received.
Having been on site to help with setting up equipment, marquees, moving fencing plus a host of other jobs which were paying me the sum of zero pounds, may I suggest that for next year, all the people who did not take part but who are happy to criticise could meet with the organisers, offer their help from 6am until 9pm on the day of the Christmas Light switch on to prevent any problems taking place.
I have three children, and like many children there, they enjoyed Father Christmas, the fireworks, the balloon as well as the entertainment on stage(they had to say they enjoyed the We Will Rock You songs!!!). I for one am looking forward to next year and hopefully being part of the Christmas Lights switch on so to all the organisers and helpers may I say a huge thank you for what you gave us in Taunton this year. Huw Weston, Head of Visual and Performing Arts at The Taunton Academy.
How ever can you say you enjoyed the " We will rock you" song.
Those poor children!! All you could hear was the music, Could not hear them sing AT ALL!
When the stage speakers got turned up.... Well what a mess...

Im not complaining im just stating the facts.

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ValBartlett says...
10:51am Wed 24 Nov 10

I have to say against all the negative feeback I have read above, that I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Taunton Town Centre Light Switch on this year.
I also attended last years switch on and to say they failed two years in a row is ridiculous. My grandchildren and I spent most of the day and evening in the town centre enjoying a range of activities and fesitive shopping around the huge number of stalls on show as well as the children getting a chance to meet father Christmas and see his reindeer.
Throughout the day we enjoyed the music coming from the main stage and stopped a number of times to watch some of the very talented people on stage, the Sarah Cunningham band as a favourite. It sounded fantastic and everyone seemed to stop unlike last year and enjoy what was happening on stage. So congratulations on improving on this, which was lacking last year.
I do feel that people only seem to want to moan about an event that is completely free to attend and I think more support should be shown to those who spend their time organising an event of this nature.
I look forward to next years switch on to see what new ideas the Taunton event organisers put in to place.

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MontysMan says...
11:16pm Thu 25 Nov 10

What a load of negative comments about a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable day out in Taunton. I was there with my wife from 11am until after the fireworks, switch on and the Heliospere. Three markets with the best of Somerset produce, shops open most of the day, lots of well priced food from all over Europe, street entertainers and professional singers and bands. Well done Taunton School and Taunton Academy who sang their hearts out for our benefit and thanks to the Town Centre staff who put together such a wide diversity of events to hearten all ages at this time of recession and uncertainty. It is incredibly difficult to bring together all of these and OK - the sound system got it wrong a couple of times, but heh! we could still all hear and sing along with the songs and music! Taunton is very lucky to have a dedicated team that is constantly looking at new ways of entertaining us at Christmas - the acrobat on the Heliospere against the backdrop of the fireworks was simply magical. Father Christmas arrived through the throng with the Samba Band and we even got a chance to see real reindeer and ride on well behaved ponies from the Conquest Centre! Well done to the organisers - keep up the good work and don't let the few Scrooges in the community put you off.

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sumidagawa says...
4:45pm Sat 27 Nov 10

I was not at the Christmas Light switch-on so cannot comment on that event, but I have since passed through town after dark, and frankly wonder, yet again, why Taunton bothers with lights at all. They always seem to be pathetic.

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