RESIDENTS of Porlock are laying claim to the title of being the ‘Christmas capital of Exmoor’ with festive celebrations well into their second week.

The village’s annual celebrations begin in the last week of November with the popular Exmoor Christmas Craft Fair bringing together a host of top quality Exmoor producers selling everything from bees wax candles to rum.

Porlock Panto Society gave three polished performances of ‘Showtime’ during the week, followed last weekend by ‘Let’s Light Up Porlock’, when 53 Christmas trees spread around the village, intermingled with fairy lights in every available space, were lit for the first time.

The lighting ceremony was conducted by village crier Grant Dennis, accompanied by carols around the Christmas trees.

There was a new, free, event organised by Porlock Visitor Centre with a Christmas quiz with tea and live music in the village hall.

On Friday (December 8), a ‘Living Nativity ’ takes place when the Christmas story is enacted along the High Street, starting at Dovery Museum at 6 pm.

Mary and Joseph, accompanied by a real donkey, are turned away at the inns until they finally find a stable where a living ‘Baby Jesus’ appears.

The ‘special, magical’ Christmas event, is organised by the Rev Ann Gibbs.

Saturday (December 9) sees the start of the Santa festival, when Santas appear in a variety of places and in a variety of ways.

It is also the start of a Christmas tree festival in St Dubricius Church, where this year’s theme is Christmas music.

High Street comes alive in the evening when shops remain open until late for Porlock’s late night shopping event with bands, carols, street entertainers, and a Santa dash.

On Sunday, the special Exmoor Christmas weekend will be completed when a patronal walk and service takes participants to the tin tabernacle at Porlock Weir for an annual service followed by Exmoor Carollers performing in St Dubricius Church.

The singers bring together a host of old Exmoor carols recalling nostalgic days gone by when life was much simpler.

The free performance begins at 5.30 pm and is followed by light refreshments, with donations welcomed for St Margaret’s Hospice and the church spire fund.

The month will continue with a Christmas concert, carol services, and a village Christmas lunch.