THERE was an evening of festive fun in Taunton for the Orchard Shopping Centre's Christmas lights switch on.

The event kicked off at 5pm on Thursday, November 30 and ran until 8pm.

The switch-on was planned to coincide with the first late-night shopping night which will continue until 9pm.

From 5pm until 6pm the Taunton’s Got Talent finalists entertained crowds, before a fire and light show until 6.30pm.

Taunton's mayor Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey was then joined by Miss Taunton and Mrs Somerset Galaxy for the switch on at 7pm.

Somerset County Gazette:

With the shopping centre looking colourful and creative, Taunton’s Got Talent winners Absolute Pitch took to the stage before the Market House tree was lit at 8pm.

The evening also featured free facing painting, as well as free mince pies and apple chaider.

Late night shopping will continue throughout the town on December 7, 14, and 21 with some stores staying open later on Friday 22 and Saturday 23.

Somerset County Gazette: