THE Watchet community pulled together and braved the on-rushing Storm Darragh to enjoy a late night shopping and fun extravaganza on Friday (December 6).
Despite the strengthening wind, shops stayed open until late in the evening and street entertainers, including stilt walkers and fire and light spinners, roamed the town centre to thrill the crowds.
Father Christmas made a special stop in Watchet for children to visit him in his grotto, the Methodist Church hosted a crib festival, and a Christmas market took place in Watchet Boat Museum.
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Fiona Payne leads Watchet Methodist Church Choir during a crib service. PHOTO: George Ody.
Other entertainment came from Watchet Town Band, the West Somerset Brass Band, West Somerset Morris dancers, Watchet Community Choir, and an Elliot’s Touch festive tunes DJ.
The evening was arranged by the Watchet Town Centre Group, which this year held an online fund-raising appeal to help cover the ever-increasing costs, so far bringing in £170 toward its £200 target.
Fund-raising organiser Tracey Clark said: “Thank you to everybody who braved the weather and joined us for our late night extravaganza.
“We hope that a good night was had by all.”
Due to the Met Office’s severe red weather alert for the West Somerset coastline, warning of a danger to life from Storm Darragh, the town council announced during the festivities that it would be ready to open the community centre as a warm, safe space if an emergency situation arose on Saturday.
The fun has continued in the town with a Christmas lights trail, and Watchet Carnival Committee will next week begin judging the dozens of homes which have been adorned with festive decorations.
The committee will award prizes for the best illuminated house and street, and for the best decorated shop or business.
The judges, who are not from the town, will be visiting after 5 pm on a number of evenings allowing householders and shopkeepers to switch on their displays after dark.
Santa has promised to return to Watchet on Christmas Eve to tour the town in his sleigh, starting at 5 pm in Cherry Tree Way and finishing at Lorna Doone.
During his tour he will present the winners with their prizes.