Taunton ready for Christmas sparkle (From Somerset County Gazette)

Taunton ready for Christmas sparkle

7:00am Saturday 27th October 2012 in Taunton

A SURPRISE cracker of an evening has been promised for the Christmas lights switch-on in Taunton town centre.

A fun-packed evening with local singers and dancers will be rounded off with an act which is a closely guarded secret.

The event on Sunday, November 18, is being organised by Kelly Durdan and her Make Taunton Sparkle team, who stepped in to raise money to pay for the festive lights after the Town Centre Company and Taunton Deane Council said there was no money to fund them this year.

Businesses and individuals have so far donated around £13,000 with the Deane adding a further £10,000 towards a £40,000 target.

Kelly said: “We’ve reached our goal for the lights – now we’re raising money to help fund the events at the switch-on, which is going to be a fantastic community event.”

The initiative is also helping people remember loved ones who have died with anyone donating £250 having the name of someone they have lost attached to a festive tree.

Kelly said: “The response has been incredible – it’s great to see everyone coming together and I’m grateful to the people of Taunton for showing such community spirit.

“We’re working around the clock to make sure the town has the Christmas it deserves and something people will remember for a long time.

“If there’s any money left over after we’ve paid for the lights and the event we’ll use it to buy food at Christmas for people who are not so fortunate.”

You can still donate via collection pots in a number of shops, or contact Kelly on 0778-9871856.