Taunton is set to host markets, shows and a charity run; lights and Christmas trees will be up in the town centre thanks to funding from the Council.

The focus on fun events and activities for all the family follows the success of last years’ Christmas programme which saw something for everyone to enjoy.

Cllr Mark Edwards, Events Champion and Deputy Leader of the Council, said:  “The lights will give our town a festive feel which together with a mix of traditional and modern events should ensure an exciting run-up to Christmas for all.”

Two early events will give people a chance to do some Christmas shopping in festive surroundings – from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November there will be a Christmas Market at Hestercombe Gardens, and on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November the Rural Living Show will be held at Kings Hall School.

Late night shopping starts with a number of the big retailers in Taunton on Thursday 24th November and will continue each Thursday until 22nd December, all until 9pm.

The popular ‘free after three’ car parks initiative will also be launched on Saturday 26th  November and will run each Saturday to 22nd December.

Thursday 1st December will see activity stepping up in Taunton when Apple FM and Tone FM will present Taunton Christmas Fest Live in Castle Green. The fun-filled live show will set the scene for a special late night opening at the Museum of Somerset and the switch on of Christmas tree lights within the green.

Later in the month on Tuesday 20th December the Museum will also host a Medieval Christmas which promises to be entertaining for all ages.

The Christmas craft market will also start trading in Fore Street from Thursday 1^st December selling toys, jewellery, preserves, woodwork, pottery and more until Sunday 18th December.

Anyone looking for their usual quality local food and drink with some festive flavours too will also have plenty of opportunity to shop at the Taunton Farmers Christmas Markets on Thursday 1st , 8th, 15th & 22nd December.

Castle Green becomes the focus again on Thursday 8th December when the fund raising spectacle Santa’s on the Run takes place in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West. Hundreds of people across the region will be taking part in the 2k festive fun runs right through the town centre. To sign up for the Taunton event click HERE

Ice skating is always a popular attraction at Christmas and from Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 1St January the annual Festive Skating and Illuminated Winter Trail will be at Hestercombe. Father Christmas will also be taking up residency in his grotto there from Saturday 10th to Saturday 24th December.

Lastly Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the traditional pantomime. This year a fun-filled version of Around the World in Eighty Days will be presented at the Brewhouse Theatre from Saturday 10th to Saturday 31st December.

Details of all these events and more can be found online HERE or via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @moreTaunton