Light Up Axminster are gearing up for this year’s Christmas light switch on in the town. Taking place from 6pm on Saturday November 26 It's the first new light switch on since 2019 following Covid 19. Thanks to the fundraising of local businesses including The Axminster Inn, WBW Solicitors, The South Street Barbers, Stamford House Dental Practice and a donation from Axminster Town Council this year’s celebrations will see Church Street and Silver Street finally lit up, with additional areas on Lyme Street starting to shine too. This year’s celebrations will all take place in Church Street and Silver Street with live music taking place in The Axminster Inn, Le Pisanis, The Heritage Centre and the Arts Café courtyard, musicians include The Plum Jam Band, Alan West, Hot Java, Saxminster, Clive Smith & his Arcadia Jazz Band with singer Mary Bowles, Nick Adams and Axminster’s one and only Nick Goodwin. Other entertainment will include The Axminster Lion’s Father Christmas, The Axminster Bell Ringers, Puppetree Punch & Judy, A Face of Make Believe Face Painting, Karizma Majorettes, Axminster Skate Park, Herbert’s Fun Fair, a Christmas Market including fun and games stalls by a host of local charities and good causes and much more. There will also be donation points for Axminster Food Bank so please bring any contributions with you. Local businesses will be staying open throughout the evening and there will be plenty of food and drink to feast upon. The lights will be switched on at 6pm followed by the Grand Torchlight Procession, overseen by Axminster Carnival Committee, at 7pm. The procession will be led by Karizma Majorettes and will stop for a carol or two for the residents of Tudor Cottage Care Home before heading back to the Church green for a final sing. If you would like to join the procession torches are on sale now from The Community Waffle House, The George Hotel or The Axminster Inn (cash only at these venues please) or at Axminster Market on the 17th November 9.30am – 11.00am, cash & card payments welcome. If you would like to take part in this year’s event contact Cindy on cindy@lightupaxminster.co.uk