Shepton Mallet kicked off the festive season in style on Friday evening, with the town centre transformed into a hub of Christmas cheer.

The night market, live entertainment, creative workshops, and the all-important Christmas light switch-on made for a magical evening that brought the community together.

The star of the show was Amy Fairhurst, this year's winner of the Shepton Mallet Town Council Christmas card competition. Her striking design featuring the iconic Market Cross won her the honour of lighting up the town centre and Christmas tree. Amy's big moment added a personal and heartwarming touch to the event, showcasing the incredible talent of the town's young artists.

The festivities catered to all ages, with a bustling night market offering everything from craft and gift stalls to delicious food and drink. Seasonal treats like mulled cider, wood-fired pizza, and a hog roast were crowd-pleasers, adding a cosy, festive vibe to the cold evening.

Children were spoiled for choice with free donkey petting, Santa's Grotto, and creative workshops, including making wooden decorations, paper crafts, and a lively Music & Movement session for under-fives. Local favourites like Holly and Hawthorne and Josephine Dawn Monroe ensured these activities were hands-on and fun for all.

The entertainment was another highlight, with performances from the Shepton Mallet Big Band, Frome Bandits, and the All Hallows Choir spreading Christmas cheer through song. Each act brought something special to the evening, creating a festive soundtrack that filled the air with joy.

The free parking at Great Ostry car park was a welcome addition, making the event easily accessible for visitors. The High Street shops stayed open late, and the market stalls offered an array of unique and locally crafted items, perfect for Christmas shopping.

The night's success lay in its ability to blend traditional festive elements with local creativity and talent. From Amy's artistic achievement to the music, workshops, and market stalls, the event captured the heart of Shepton Mallet's community spirit.

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This year's festivities were a shining example of how a small town can come together to create something truly special. Shepton Mallet is now officially lit up for Christmas, and the event has set a high bar for the season ahead.