WATCHET’s festive fun will begin next Friday (December 10) with a late night extravaganza organised by the town’s Chamber of Commerce (WACET) with the help of European funding.

Shops and services will stay open and a programme of entertainment will cater for all the family.

Headed by Britain’s Got Talent runner-up, escapologist and magician Merlin Cadogan, the evening’s highlights will include Watchet brass and town bands, a choir, a stilt-walker, balloon-modelling and fire-juggling. The event opens at 5.30pm.

The town’s boat and radio museums will be open to visitors and Santa will be in his free grotto in Swain Street with a present for every child. To keep visitors Covid-safe, only one family at a time will see Santa.

WACET chairman John Richards said: “We are hoping for a really great evening. It will be a perfect opportunity for traders and businesses to welcome old and new customers. We have some great entertainment for adults and children.

“Events like this are all part of Watchet getting back on its feet again and showing what a special place it is.”