ORGANISERS of a new Christmas season festival in West Somerset have announced the first of the entertainment line-up

Classical chart-topping female choir Mediaeval Baebes will help to entertain visitors to Dunster Winter Festival.

The new festival is the successor to the well-known Dunster by Candlelight event which was held for the last time in 2023.

Dunster Winter Festival will run during the day over the weekend of December 7 and 8 with music, theatre, art and craft workshops, mediaeval-themed entertainment, and craft stalls.

Mediaeval Baebes will be performing in the village’s St George’s Church on Sunday, December 8.

Mediaeval Baebes will be one of the stars of Dunster Winter Festival.
Mediaeval Baebes will be one of the stars of Dunster Winter Festival. ( )

The group won an Ivor Novella Award for their work on the BBC serialisation ‘The Virgin Queen’ and are also known for their memorable theme tune for the ITV show ‘Victoria’.

Festival head of entertainment Nina Dodd said: “In its first year, there will be a variety of entertainment designed for visitors of all ages.

“I am thrilled that the Mediaeval Baebes are heading the line-up - I cannot wait to see the reaction from our visitors.

“With so many daytime events this year, there is still plenty of opportunity for volunteers to join our friendly team.

“Charming at any time of the year, the village will be dressed for Christmas and will look stunning during the festival weekend.”

St George's Church will host a performance by Mediaeval Baebes for Dunster Winter Festival.
St George's Church will host a performance by Mediaeval Baebes for Dunster Winter Festival. ( )

A community interest company (CIC) is being established to run the festival on behalf of the village and will comprise a mix of Dunster residents and businesses with three goals:

  • To create an event just before Christmas for the village and visitors to enjoy

  • Fund-raising for the charities and community groups which care for the village and villagers

  • Promoting winter trade in Dunster

Committee member David Noad said: “The committee is creating the 2024 festival from scratch.

“Our long-term goal is to produce an event on a similar scale to the much-loved Dunster by Candlelight, with a road closure that enables a procession and on-street entertainment during the evening as well as the day.

“This year, without the significant funds needed, we are concentrating on building the team and resources for a daytime-only event.

“We hope that anybody who loves the pre-Christmas event in the village will support the many fund-raising events being held this year, whether attending workshops, plays, or wine tasting.”

Several local businesses have already pledged support, but the committee is still looking for more sponsorship.

A festival logo was also launched this week, designed by committee member Jeni Fender, from ‘Made in Dunster’.

Some of the committee who will organise a new Dunster Christmas event are pictured at the village’s Yarn Market (left to right) Jeni Fender (Made in Dunster and curator of Dunster Museum), Fiona Harris (resident), Tessa Williams (Tessa's Tearoom and Dunster Parish Council), David Noad (Ellicombe Manor Cottages), and Claire Reeves (Reeves Restaurant). Members who were unable to attend the photocall were Nina Dodd (Dunster Living), Daniel and Loraine Hattingh (Luttrell Arms), Jane Deeming (Stag's Head), Angie Clark (Dunster VIllage Society), and representatives from National Trus's Dunster Castle and the West Somerset Railway.
Some of the Dunster Winter Festival committee pictured at the Yarn Market (left to right) Jeni Fender (Made in Dunster and curator of Dunster Museum), Fiona Harris (resident), Tessa Williams (Tessa's Tearoom and Dunster Parish Council), David Noad (Ellicombe Manor Cottages), and Claire Reeves (Reeves Restaurant). PHOTO: Alex Dodd.

It is based on the village’s existing brand with a winter twist – the iconic Yarn Market under a snowy winter sky in front of a Christmas tree.

The large Christmas tree is a familiar sight in the village’s High Street and is donated each year by Dunster Estate.

A new website www.dunsterwinterfestival.co.uk will provide up to date information about the festival, ticketing for which will go live later in the spring.

Anybody who wants to be involved in the festival should email [email protected].