THE ‘crowning jewel’ in Dulverton’s winter events calendar takes place on Sunday (December 1) when the town is expected to be packed with hundreds of residents and visitors enjoying festive fun.

Dulverton by Starlight will be opened by Merlin the magician at 2pm in the Town Square and will run until 7pm with most of the town’s 40-plus independent shops open and brimming with ‘goodies’ and tempting treats for Christmas.

Bubble magic will be part of the entertainment for Sunday's Dulverton by Starlight festival Hendon Night Shoot
Bubble magic will be part of the entertainment for Sunday's Dulverton by Starlight festival. ( )

The main street will be closed to traffic and filled with stalls selling local crafts, food, and drink, while roaming entertainers juggle, bubble, and amuse the crowds throughout the afternoon.

Father Christmas will be visiting the town and will be in his grotto in Dulverton Heritage Centre until 5.30pm to see children, who will have an opportunity to have their faces painted while they wait.

Hot drinks, cakes, mince pies, and festive music will be on offer in All Saints Church.

Carols around the Christmas tee in Bank Square, Dulverton, will be part of the town's starlight festival on Sunday.
Carols around the Christmas tee in Bank Square, Dulverton, will be part of the town's starlight festival on Sunday. ( )

As twilight falls over Dulverton the festive vibe will see people join in singing their favourite carols around a large Christmas tree in Bank Square before watching a spectacular fireworks display light up the sky over the town.

Dulverton Town Council has liaised with Somerset Council to ensure parking in the town’s car parks will be free of charge on Sunday.

However, parking is always tight for Dulverton by Starlight, so a park and ride service will be running from 1.30pm to 7.30pm.

Some of the entertainment at last year's Dulverton by Starlight.
Some of the entertainment at last year's Dulverton by Starlight. ( )

New for this year’s event will be a disabled drop-off area at ‘the top of town’ for less-abled visitors.

A festival spokesperson said: “The committee would be grateful if it is not used as a general drop-off.”

The spokesperson said Dulverton by Starlight was a free to attend event but this was only achieved through support from traders, sponsors, fund-raising events, and people’s donations.

They said: “So, if you see the collecting buckets or QR codes around town, drop in some change or scan the code to help keep it free.”

Fireworks will light up the sky over Dulverton on Sunday evening.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Dulverton on Sunday evening. ( )

More details about the festival, parking, park and ride, stalls, and entertainment can be found on the Visit Dulverton website or its Facebook page.