THE traditional Queen Caturn’s Night in Watchet returns this year with stalls, music and entertainment and will include the much-loved Queen Caturn’s Parade.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, November 26 between 4pm and 8pm, will mark the beginning of Christmas festivities in Watchet, and includes the start of the illuminated Christmas trees on Swain Street.

Watchet Community Choir will be performing, as well as Dave Milton’s famous Punch and Judy, there will be music as well seasonal food and drink, and there is also the rumour that Father Christmas might make a flying visit.

For one night only Swain Street car park will be transformed into a mini Christmas market.

Queen Caturn’s Night commemorates the link that Watchet had with Queen Catherine, wife of Charles II in the 17th Century who, as legend has it, would come to Watchet to buy cloth of Watchet Blue.

Every year to this day local people dress up in costume and join the parade, followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Queen Caturn’s Night chairman, Molly Quint said: “Caturn’s Night is such a wonderful evening and for me, always marks the beginning of Christmas.

"It is a fabulous community event that captures the true spirit of Watchet by celebrating our traditions with a great sense of fun.

"I would like to say thank you to all the marvellous volunteers who work so hard to put on the event and make the evening a success.

"Thank you must also go to Watchet Chamber of Trade for donating Christmas trees to the Methodist Church and Watchet Museum. I hope everyone has a wonderful time.”