THOUSANDS of local people will be getting into the holiday spirit this Friday (December 3) as Midsomer Norton and Radstock celebrates the start of the festive season with a fantastic Dickensian evening.

Midsomer Norton High Street will be the focus for a grand Christmas parade and Children’s Lantern Procession before the Christmas lights are switched on in both towns. The party starts at around 6pm and will last well into the evening!

Midsomer Norton town centre will be closed to traffic for the evening and filled instead with family fairground rides, brass bands, majorettes and carol singing.

The event will be a real family occasion, with local youngsters joining the Christmas parade with their own handmade lanterns. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance, and will be on hand to meet children in Santa’s grotto.

High Street shops in Midsomer Norton will stay open all evening for shoppers, and will be joined by plenty of Christmas market stalls selling seasonal gifts, hot chestnuts and a variety of food and drink.

The whole event is being organised by the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Chamber of Commerce, Norton Radstock Carnival Association, and Bath & North East Somerset Council.