Wincanton Christmas Extravaganza is on Saturday 2nd December
It’s that time of year again. December begins tomorrow, and the Christmas spirit is ramping up. The town tree is now in place, and High Street decorations are starting to appear. Wincanton’s Christmas Extravaganza gets the season formally underway on Saturday 2nd December, 1pm - 6pm.
Started more than ten years ago, the Extravaganza has grown to be one of the town’s biggest annual events. Traditionally held on the first Friday evening in December, starting this year, it has been moved to a Saturday afternoon slot.
In the interests of safety, High Street will be closed from 12 noon between the Memorial Hall car park and Carrington Way to allow stall holders and entertainers to prepare for the 1pm start. All the town car parks will be fully open, and residents of Flingers Lane will have full access.
Within the road closure area there will be lots to do. At the top of the zone there will be three fairground rides catering for kids of all ages. Stevie P is hosting a community stage where local bands and groups will be performing during the afternoon, including the Wincanton Amateur Dramatics Society, Wincanton Youth Theatre and the Bailey Hillbillies. The Wincanton and Castle Cary majorettes will also be strutting their stuff, and there will be a good selection of charity stalls. Watch out for the official Extravaganza stall selling Christmas t-shirts.
The Extravaganza isn’t confined to the road closure area, though. There is much to do throughout the whole High Street, all the way down to Market Place. Check out the craft stalls in the Sweetman Hall behind The Bear, and the many High Street shops that will be staying open.
Just off Market Place, in Mill Street, especially for the kids, Father Christmas will be in his Grotto in the Baptist Church hall from 1:30pm, with last entry at 4:45pm. Entrance will cost £3.50. Folks from the Church will be serving tea, coffee and hot chocolate to those waiting patiently in the queue to meet the big man.
Some of Santa’s elves will also be leading a special hunt throughout the town searching for mini versions of themselves. Kids can collect their entry form from No. 4 Market Place: Elf Headquarters.
Whilst visiting Elf HQ, you can take the opportunity to wish upon a star. Lynne Franks will open the doors to welcome children of Wincanton to make a Christmas wish for themselves, their family and the world. The children will meet the elves, enjoy a healthy snack and do some face painting. They can also help light up the window with Zac Greening’s beautiful display.
Across the road, next door to the Post Office, you can visit The Bootmakers; another new addition to Wincanton’s high street. They will be hosting a range of creative workshops for children, including the opportunity to make their own lantern for the lantern parade.
The Extravaganza culminates with the lantern parade and the switching on of the town Christmas tree lights. Kids with their lanterns (battery operated lights only, please!) should meet by the stage at 5pm to prepare to march down High Street to the big tree at Market Place, where they will join the Town Council and spectators for the official ceremony to switch on the tree lights. Special guest Father Christmas will have the honour of flipping the switch.
For the latest updates visit the Extravaganza Facebook page.
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