MINEHEAD stepped back in time on Friday (November 28) when the town centre was transformed into something from another century as crowds of visitors and residents enjoyed a fun-filled Victorian-themed Christmas celebration.

Organised by Minehead Town Council, Minehead Together Business Association, and other local groups, the town centre became traffic-free for the evening as the crowds enjoyed a wide range of food and drink, free entertainment, late night shopping, and family fun.

A major highlight of the evening was the Christmas lights switch-on, carried out this year by students of Aurora Foxes Academy.

One visitor summed up the event: “It was a wonderful, happy atmosphere, and the shouts, cheers, and clapping when the lights came on was magic.”

A town council spokesperson said: “The switch-on was absolutely magical.

“From the festive stalls to the performances, the laughter and the sparkle in the streets, reminded us what makes Minehead so special - one strong community coming together to celebrate.”

A constant flow of live entertainment included performances from local choirs, dance groups, and musicians.

And some residents and visitors dressed in Victorian costume, helping to bring back the atmosphere of ‘the good old days’.

Santa was on duty handing out presents to youngsters and a lantern-making workshop at the Beach Hotel was followed by a lantern procession through the town.

The popular farmers’ market was open until 9 pm and there were stalls and entertainment in the Methodist Church.

This year saw a wider offering of food stalls thanks to the Eat, Drink and Arts Festival which organised catering for the event.

Town centre roads were closed, and free parking was available all day in all car parks.

The following day, hundreds of spectators watched the switch-on of a spectacular Christmas lights extravaganza at the Grace family’s home in Plover Close, which runs until January 4.