Festive Season Highlights and Developments Across Somerset

With December’s arrival, the Christmas spirit is now evident throughout Somerset. Father Christmas marked the commencement of the festive season by making a notable entrance in the county, arriving by helicopter. He subsequently visited Children’s Hospice South West in Wraxall, where he distributed presents to families and children. Separately, workers in Somerset have successfully installed a reactor at what marks Britain’s first nuclear power station constructed in 30 years. This involved hundreds of engineers and construction personnel dedicating several days to lift the 500-tonne steel equipment into its designated position at Hinkley Point C, located near Bridgwater. The Queen Victoria Inn in Priddy has also unveiled its impressive Christmas lights display for the season, an initiative designed to raise funds for charity. According to landlord Mark Walton, the exterior of the Somerset pub on the Mendips features more than 55,000 bulbs this year. Annually organized by a Somerset pub, the Turnip Prize recognizes individuals who produce exceptionally poor artwork with minimal effort, serving as a parody of the globally renowned Turner Prize. This year’s accolade was awarded to “Tax in Creases” by Wonga Woman, a pseudonym. In other news, the Minster in Ilminster is hosting its yearly Christmas Tree Festival, with each tree contributing to fundraising efforts for various local charities. BBC Radio Somerset conducted its annual Christmas celebration at St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells. Attendees heard from presenters Charlie Taylor, Simon Parkin, Claire Carter, and Andy Bennett, alongside performances by local bands and artists. For updates, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.