RESIDENTS and businesses in Minehead are being invited to put forward their ideas for events and initiatives to improve the town on Thursday evening (November 2).

It follows a vote by businesses in the spring to scrap Minehead’s Business Investment District (BID) status which oversaw the organisation of activities and promotion of the town over the previous five years.

Now, the first post-BID event is being arranged for November 24 when Minehead will host its first late night ‘Victorian Christmas Shopping’ experience.

A Queen Elizabeth lookalike will also switch on the town’s Christmas lighting displays during the evening.

It is being organised by Minehead Town Council, where Cllr Ben Jewell helped to lead the campaign against the previous BID organisation.

But Cllr Jewell said: “Help is required to make our unique town the best it can be.

“We want you to share your ideas and thoughts about the promotion, look, and feel of the town centre, sea front, harbour, and surrounding area.

“If you would like to support local events, fund-raising, and promote Minehead and can provide some time, skills, or services, please get in touch.”

Cllr Jewell said the response to inquiries which had been made to date was ‘very positive from local groups, societies, businesses, and individuals who love Minehead and want to give something back to the town’.

He said the ‘interest group’ which was succeeding BID needed a name and constitution, which were being worked on, and anybody with ideas and opinions was invited to attend The Quay Inn at 7.30 pm on Thursday.

Cllr Jewell said: “By working together to make Christmas 2023 the best we can with the time and resources we have, helps us form the collective for the future of Minehead for the benefit of all.

“Things are happening quickly. With the support of Minehead Town Council we are organising our first event, the Christmas lights switch-on and late night shopping.

“It is time to come together, to pool our resources and create something fresh, new, and inclusive.”

The Victorian Christmas Shopping experience will include a torch and lantern procession starting at 6 pm for people to follow from the West Somerset Railway Station, led by the Minehead hobby horse, to The Avenue.

There will be free parking on the night, a steam bus, local choirs, dancers, musicians, and sideshows, with many shops and eateries open until late.

Anybody who wants to help can email [email protected] or call in to Wombledon, 43a The Avenue, or call 07434 832279, or visit Excom, 24 Friday Street, or call 01643 704673 or 0789409888.

More information is also available from the website here.