The Chard Town Team and Chard Town Council amenities staff, along with King Electrical Contractors Ltd. have put in countless hours completing the extensive checks, preparation and installation of the towns Christmas lights. Added to this around 100 trees have been decorated and put up outside shops by a small team of volunteers.

Now it is really just the finishing touches that remain before the big switch on this Saturday 22nd November. Chard Town Council wishes a great evening to all of our residents and visitors.

A spokesman from Chard Town Team adds: “Chard Town Team would like to thank everyone who has helped this year including all who have worked hard behind the scenes especially Chard Carnival Committee who have supplied all of the traffic management equipment and volunteered to man the road closures so that this amazing community event can take place.”

What to expect

• 10:00am-2:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm – Christmas Craft Fair in the Guildhall
• 5:00pm onwards – see Santa in his grotto in the Guildhall. There is a small charge of £2.50 and every child receives a gift.
• 6:45pm – There will be a parade led by the Mayor, Mace Bearer and Town Crier which will make its way down through the town, followed by Chard Silverstar Majorettes, Father Christmas will travel down on his Sleigh and followed by Chard Evolution Majorettes. The lights will then be switched on by Chard Carnival Royalty and the Mayor of Chard from the balcony at the Guildhall.
• 7:30pm – lights switch on

Road Closure

To ensure safety of the event Fore Street will be closed bewteen Hays Travel and St. Margarets Hospice shop from approximately 16:00-22:00. Please allow extra time if making your way through town at this time and follow diversion signs.

Parking

All car parks in the centre will be open and parking after 18:00 in any car park is free of charge.

Toilets

The Guildhall will be open throughout the event and has toilets. There will be plenty of stalls to peruse and refreshments available when you’re in there.

Weather

Though the forecast is very changeable and there is a likely of rain showers, the event will still go ahead and is only cancelled in severe cases. Please do dress appropriately to the weather on the day.

*Images from previous event