
On the 6th December at 4.45 pm the Christmas Festive Lights were switched on in Wellington Square by Father Christmas with the Mayor Cllr Leslie Smith in attendance. This year the Christmas tree in Wellington Square was sponsored by Webbers and the tree outside the Old Hospital was sponsored by Butlins. Minehead Town Council paid for the small lit trees above the shops.
There was a full programme of events which started at 12 noon and festivities carried on to 5 pm which was helped by free parking between 12 noon and 5 pm
in the Alexandra Road and North Road car parks, there was also a land train operating on the day.
There were various charity stalls and children's rides in The Parade and The West Newton Jazz band did an excellent job entertaining shoppers outside the Town Hall. Further down the high street, The Regal Showband was also playing just off the balcony area at the Regal Theatre and other entertainment was dotted around the town.
Minehead Methodist Church was also open for their Christmas Tree Festival. Many shops and local businesses joined in the festivities providing refreshments of mince pies and mulled wine. The Reading Room provided craft work, story telling and face painting for the children which was a great success and was well attended.
Through-out the day the Town Crier, Cllr David Archer spent his time touring the town broadcasting to the public about the various activities that were taking place in Minehead.