A ‘WINTERTIDE Weekend’ kicks off in Porlock next week as the village enters its Christmas run-up with a host of activities taking place from Friday, November 13, through to Sunday.
A ‘Living Nativity’ telling the story of Jesus’ birth will process through the streets on the Friday evening from Dovery Manor Museum via publicans with ‘no room at the inn’ to a stable at the other end of Porlock.
Traders will welcome residents and visitors to an evening of entertainment and late night Christmas shopping in the many unique, independent shops on the Saturday.
High Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland of music and entertainment, lit up with hundreds of Christmas lights, trees, and shop window displays.
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Town crier Grant Dennis will start off the evening with children from St Dubricius School setting the festive scene by singing carols in the church at 4.30pm.
Christmas carols up and down High Street will ring out from the West Somerset Brass Band, with musical performances by the Wooden Suits and Allerford Folk Band throughout the evening and a fire act performing spectacular light shows.
Shops, businesses, accommodation providers, pubs, and restaurants will be taking part in the annual and Porlock Santa Festival, with an abundance of Santas, from life-sized versions to small toys, in a variety of fun and festive poses, as well as an ‘Elf on a Shelf’ in selected shops for people to find.
A Christmas-themed fancy dress competition using repurposed or recycled items will be open to all ages, with registration between 5pm and 6pm at Whortleberry Tea Room, where revellers can try their hand at biscuit decorating
Judging will take place at various locations in High Street until 7.15pm and Mr Dennis will announce the winners at a prizegiving at 7.45pm.
A Christmas tree festival takes place in St Dubricius Church with 20 decorated trees by local community groups on display until Friday, January 3, each colour themed with a poem about a star.
The Methodist Church is holding a Nativity Escape Room for all ages from 12noon to 8pm, with tickets on sale from Porlock Hardware.
Dovery Manor Museum will welcome visitors with festive food and drink and a Christmas hamper raffle.
Porlock Community Library will host a face painter and a book sale, with other community organisations showcasing themselves, while a hog roast will be outside.
Father Christmas has promised to visit and will be in his grotto in GTH estate agents, High Street.
The annual ‘Santa Dash’ from Doverhay to the Top Ship starts at 8 pm for people of all ages and shapes, with suits available from the Bagatelle.
Lots of other surprises will be in store along High Street hosted by the shops and businesses, and parking in both the Porlock car parks will be free all day thanks to funding from Porlock Parish Council, which is also providing free parking on Saturdays, December 7 and 21.
The Porlock festivities will continue on the Sunday.