DESPITE gusty winds and rain showers, hundreds of people turned out to see Minehead switch on its Christmas lights on Friday evening. 

The event was organised by Minehead Town Council with support from Minehead Business Improvement District (BID) and Gateway Events.

The lights were switched on by the mayor of Minehead, councillor Paul Bolton, Billy the Butlins bear, and Father Christmas. 

The event was compered by Dave Englefield from West Somerset Radio, and it included festive music from the King Alfred Concert Band and local singer Ashley Jackson. 

Street entertainment was provided by Higher Beings Circus. 

Father Christmas arrived to help switch on the lights on a festive sleigh organised by Gateway Events volunteers. 

Minehead's new Christmas lights and the night's entertainment were funded by the Welcome Back Fund, a government fund designed to encourage shoppers and visitors to return to town centres following several coronavirus lockdowns.  

Cllr Paul Bolton, mayor of Minehead, said he was delighted to see so many people enjoying the switch-on celebrations and added he is really looking forward to a busy festive season in the town. 

Did you attend the switch-on event? Take a look at our gallery at the top of this article and see if you can spot yourself...