Shepton Mallet lit up for the festive season on Sunday as hundreds of residents packed into the town centre for the Christmas lights switch-on and a day full of music, food and family fun.

The Shepton Mallet Sunday Market was transformed into a festive showcase, with stalls, street food, live entertainment and Santa himself delighting crowds throughout the day.

The event ran from 11am to 5pm, with the Christmas lights officially switched on at 4:15pm by nine-year-old Harry Evans, who won the town's Christmas Card competition.

(Video by Shepton Mallet Town Council)

Crowds enjoyed live performances from All Hallows Choir and Shepton Mallet Big Band at the Market Cross, who performed a run of carols in the final hour before the big moment.

Avon and Somerset officers PC Bennett and PCSO Rowlands joined the event, chatting with families and soaking up the atmosphere.

The town's independent food scene also shone, with a line-up of traders bringing top-tier street food to the market. King Fin served soft-shell crab burgers, monkfish tempura and rosemary fries, while Feast Brothers drew queues with their signature pasta served from a giant parmesan wheel.

A Huevo Mexican! dished out handmade tacos, and Justin Jackson prepared sweet and savoury crêpes using organic ingredients. The Little Farm Shed warmed visitors with hearty soups, hotdogs and fresh rolls.

Local favourites also joined the party, including Aurora, Kusina with Filipino dishes, Sweet 11 Café, The Cheeky Bean and Bar 501 offering food, drink and festive cheer. Art Bank opened its doors for both soft and alcoholic drinks.

"It was a fantastic afternoon and evening," said PCSO Rowlands. "The atmosphere was buzzing, and it was a pleasure to speak with so many members of the community."

Shepton Mallet Big Band added: "Being invited to these community events is such an honour. We were surrounded by smiling faces — young and old."

Organisers thanked everyone who came out to support the town, describing the celebration as a brilliant start to the Christmas season.

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