MINEHEAD will step back in time when the town centre is transformed into something from another century with an ambitious Victorian Christmas celebration on Friday, November 28.

Organised by Minehead Town Council, Minehead Together Business Association, and other local groups, the free Victorian-themed celebration will run from 4.30 pm to 9 pm.

Highlights will include the Christmas lights switch-on at 6.30 pm, late-night shopping, and performances from local choirs, dance-groups, and musicians.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to dress in Victorian costume to help bring back the atmosphere of ‘the good old days’.

The evening will feature community performances, Victorian-themed entertainment, arts and crafts displays, and traditional festive treats.

Santa will be meeting and greeting youngsters outside the Old Hospital from 4.30 pm to 9 pm.

A lantern-making workshop in the Beach Hotel will be followed by a lantern procession through the town.

The popular farmers’ market will be held all day until 9 pm and there will be stalls and entertainment at the Methodist Church.

A statement from the organisers said: “This year will see a wider offering of stalls and we have asked the Eat, Drink and Arts Festival to run this aspect of the event, bringing a variety of food, gifts, and drinks to purchase on the night, as well as taking advantage of spending in the high street shops.”

The town centre will be traffic-free for the celebrations.

Roads close from 1.30 pm to midnight, including The Parade from the Wellington Square-Floyds Corner junction to the bottom of The Avenue at the Tregonwell Road junction, and free parking will be available all day in all car parks.

Local bus services will be redirected - passengers should check if their routes are affected - and there will be a temporary taxi rank at the bottom of Bancks Street.