Dunster by Candlelight is a captivating annual event, where the historic village of Dunster comes alive with the warm glow of thousands of candles, transporting you to a bygone era of festive enchantment and traditional charm.
The Dunster by Candlelight celebration is held on the first Friday and Saturday of December of every year. It is a chance to come together as a community and be able to enjoy some of the very best entertainment that the area has to offer.
The history of Dunster by Candlelight
The very first Dunster by Candlelight was founded in 1986 by the Dunster Traders Association. They managed the celebration for a few years before it disbanded, and in its place, the Candlelight Committee was formed.
The idea of having the Dunster by Candlelight celebration is that it encouraged tourists in the area to still come to visit Dunster during the colder winter months. By arranging for street entertainment and a procession and with the support of local traders and villagers, the Dunster by Candlelight celebration was created.
Not only is it a chance to bring the people from Dunster (as well as wider tourists too) together, but it also is a great way to raise awareness and money for local charities that need the support too.
Fun on the streets
During both the Friday and the Saturday nights, there is going to be lots going on on the streets for you to see. In order to light all the lanterns on the street, there will be a procession of local families and their children that will start on the Steep before moving through the village. Along with these families, mostly in fancy dress, there are also stilt walkers too.
Also, on the streets during the two nights, there are choirs, Morris dancers, hand bell ringers and other forms of entertainment, from carol singers to fire jugglers. These will be found in both the High Street and in West Street too.
The performers
Whilst the procession through the streets with the lantern is often the thing that draws people into Dunster by Candlelight, there are also plenty of other great things to enjoy over the two nights too, and this year is no exception.
The Stoggy Men will be performing as well as the Rivertones Harmony Chorus- the only educational barbershop in the whole of Somerset. If you want things a little hotter, then you can also check out the fire and light spinning from Lula May.
Of course, there are also the many local traders that are going to be spread out amongst the entire procession route, just ready and waiting for you to sample some of the amazing treats that they have to offer those who are attending.
The only way to really know just how amazing Dunster by Candlelight is to experience it for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? See what Dunster has to offer all year round, and head to Dunster by Candlelight this December.
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