Candlelight in 2024
At a meeting on Monday 18th December 2023 the Dunster by Candlelight committee decided to end the Event. Over the years it provided fun for everyone, but it was a victim of its own success and all good things come to an end. The feedback on this year’s event has been very positive – it’s a good time to go out on a high
We are all very sad but we know that Candlelight has helped not only the local economy, but various local charities and it has raised well over £200,000 for St. Margaret’s Hospice.
From very humble beginnings it became famous, filmed by the BBC and featured several glossy magazines. Sally Mann our entertainment co ordinator from fuse.org.uk
produced great artists. It also put Dunster on the ‘map’ bringing people back throughout the year.
A big ‘thank you’ to all those people who became involved and helped in many ways. Also, our many supporters.
We are sure something new will take its place to keep Christmas and Dunster bright and cheerful.
Dunster by Candlelight Committee.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THE TIMINGS OF THE ROAD CLOSURE FOR CANDLELIGHT HAVE CHANGED.
IT IS NOW FRIDAY 4.30pm TO 10pm AND SATURDAY 3.30pm TO 10pm
IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THERE IS NO CASH POINT IN DUNSTER VILLAGE.
October 2023
Candlelight has always been on the first Friday and Saturday in December which is why it is so early this year and we only have 8 weeks before the tree goes up and we will all be busy working on the swags for the Yarn Market.
We have already cleaned up the lanterns ready for the candles - don't forget to sponsor a lantern -
See the messages that people have put on the lantern message page already.
Everything is falling into place but there is still a lot to be done. The programme is being finalized and will be on sale very soon.
September 2023.
SPONSOR A LANTERN.
We have been busy raising money to help the funding of Candlelight this year. We had a Nearly New Clothing Event in the Luttrell Arms in June and we had hoped to have a Quiz Night with Hog Roast this September but unfortunately because of some unforeseen circumstance we had to abandon that. However, we have started our 'Sponsor a Lantern' campaign. The Lanterns are carried through the main streets early in the evening during the procession. You can sponsor a lantern either for yourself as a memory or to remember someone special. Leave a message and that will go on our lantern message page.
You won't know which is your lantern but it will be there. You can look at any lantern and imagine it is yours. Go to the sponsorship page above.
The Lantern Lighting procession starts on the Steep each night and continues through the village until all the lanterns in the streets have been lit. The procession of children and their families is accompanied by colourful (and tall!) Stilt walkers in fantastic costumes. They put up the lanterns. Come and join in. Even better if you dress up.
On the Saturday night we have the 17th Century soldiers marching through the village from the West Street end with their flaming torches. They arrive in the High Street usually around 7pm. Full details are in the programme.
During both evenings there are a variety of street entertainers including Choirs, Morris Dancers, Hand Bell Ringers, Entertainment in the High Street and West Street. The three main streets are closed to traffic, There are special activities in the tithe Barn, Choirs in the Parish Church and entertainment in Dunster Castle
On the Saturday night we have the 17th Century soldiers marching through the village from the West Street end with their flaming torches. They arrive in the High Street usually around 7pm. Full details are in the programme.
During both evenings there are a variety of street entertainers including Choirs, Morris Dancers, Hand Bell Ringers, Entertainment in the High Street and West Street. The three main streets are closed to traffic, There are special activities in the tithe Barn, Choirs in the Parish Church and entertainment in Dunster Castle
The atmosphere throughout is both traditional and exciting, truly an event for all ages. Take a minute or two to view the slideshow below to get a taste of the ambiance and the wide range of performers and participants over the past several years.
Full details, including the timetable for each evening and the entertainers who are coming to this year's Candlelight, will be in the official Programme, once all the arrangements have been finalized. It is normally printed in October and will be available locally (venues will be published here) as well as by post from this website.
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