THE town is turning festive today ahead of tonight's light switch-on.

Taunton Deane Borough Council has organised a day of Christmas time fun before turning on the lights - a privilege given this year to war hero Jim Booth.

READ MORE: War hero savagely attacked a year ago today to switch on Taunton's Christmas lights

‘Winterfest’, as it will be known, will see fairground rides, street performers, food and entertainment throughout the town from 10am until 8pm.

At 6.30pm, the focus will turn to the traditional Christmas tree outside the Market House which is sponsored this year by Langford Lakes, Taunton Farmers Market, Blackdown Financial, Wilkie May & Tuckwood, and Wheelers of Bridgwater.

The Mayor of Taunton Deane, Cllr Catherine Herbert, will switch on the Christmas tree lights helped by a community hero nominated by members of the public, alongside the cast of the Wizard of Oz, who are performing at the Brewhouse Theatre from December 7 until December 30.

Road closures will be in operation at East Street, Corporation Street, Hammet Street and North Street from 6am through to midnight with diversions in place.

Following Winterfest, the first late night shopping evening will be on Thursday, November 29, when the Orchard Shopping Centre will have its lights switch-on event.

The last late night shopping evening is Thursday, December 20, with some shops also opening late on Friday and Saturday.

The council is offering free parking in its car parks on the four Saturdays before Christmas. There will be no charge from 2pm in all Taunton car parks, with the exception of Kilkenny, on Saturday, December 1, 8, 15 and 22.

There will be a Christmas Crafts Market in Fore Street from Friday, November 30, to Wednesday, December 19, and carols around the bandstand in Vivary Park on Monday, December 17, at 6.30pm.

Cllr Mark Edwards, events champion and deputy leader of the council, said: “The council is pleased to be working with the Winterfest organisers to co-ordinate the Christmas lights switch-on in Taunton this year, and I am delighted one deserving Taunton resident will have a chance to share the honour with the mayor and cast of the Christmas show.

“People will see a mix of the traditional and the new this year.

“We hope our free parking offer will encourage people to come into Taunton to shop and enjoy refreshments over the festive period.”