MORE town centre roads in Minehead than usual will be closed for the annual Christmas lights switch-on event this year as safety is stepped up.

Town councillors heard there were concerns from previous events about crowds gathering in Wellington Square, when the event focus itself was nearer Blenheim Road.

The square was outside the existing road closure area, so the 2026 event will see extended road closures to include Park Street and Friday Street.

The festive lights switch-on will be on Friday, November 27, and will again include a street market, community groups, local performances, and entertainment.

However, councillors noted the Victorian theme was being dropped because of ‘limited participation’, and there would instead be a greater focus on a community-led festive event.