Light Up Axminster is gearing up for this year's Christmas lights switch-on – celebrations which will see the first new lights in the town since 2019, following COVID-19. 

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of local businesses. including The Axminster Inn, WBW Solicitors, The South Street Barbers, Stamford House Dental Practice and a donation from Axminster Town Council, this year's celebrations will see Church Street and Silver Street finally lit up, with additional areas on Lyme Street starting to shine too.

Whilst the group have been able to purchase 300 meters of new lights, there is still some way to go in replacing those that have fallen into disrepair over the past few years, leaving some areas a little short for this year. 

Volunteers will be continuing with their fundraising efforts to keep Axminster shining for 2023, so keep your eyes out for news of how you can help in the coming months.

This year's switch-on celebrations will take place in Church Street and Silver Street on Saturday, November 26th with live music taking place at The Axminster Inn, Le Pisanis, Axminster Heritage Centre and the Arts Café courtyard, with musicians including The Plum Jam Band, Alan West, Hot Java, Saxminster, Clive Smith and his Arcadia Jazz Band with singer Mary Bowles, Nick Adams and Axminster's own town crier Nick Goodwin.

Other entertainment will include The Axminster Lions Club Father Christmas sleigh, The Axminster Bell Ringers, Puppetree Punch & Judy, A Face of Make Believe Face Painting, Karizma Majorettes, Axminster Skate Park, Herbert's Fun Fair, a Christmas market including fun and games run by a host of local charities and good causes, and much more. 

There will also be donation points for Axminster Food Bank so please bring any contributions with you.

Local businesses will be staying open throughout the evening and there will be plenty of food and drink to feast upon.

The lights will be switched on at 6pm, followed by the grand torchlight procession, overseen by Axminster Carnival Committee, at 7pm. 

The procession will be led by the Karizma Majorettes and will stop for a carol or two for the residents of Tudor Cottage Care Home before heading back to the Minster Green for a final sing. 

Don't forget to check out what other events are taking place on the evening, with many pubs and eateries putting on something special.

If you would like to join the procession, torches are on sale now from The Community Waffle House, The George Hotel or The Axminster Inn (cash only).

If you would like to take part in this year's event, would like to make a donation or for any other queries please contact please contact Cindy on [email protected]