Somerset in December: Festive Attractions, Racing, and Pinocchio

As December commences, the Christmas spirit is evident throughout Somerset, extending from Bath’s renowned market to Weston-super-Mare. Taunton’s racing events yielded striking photographs, while actors in Taunton have been preparing for performances of Pinocchio. Glastonbury Abbey presented several frosty vistas, and Wookey Hole has installed thousands of fairy lights. Getty photographer Alan Crowhurst captured a remarkable image on Thursday, showing riders and their horses poised near the start line at Taunton Racecourse. Bath is preparing to host tens of thousands of visitors for its celebrated Christmas Market, an annual event that has already attracted numerous individuals to the city center. The Amazing Elf Workshop and Santa Grotto, located at the Sovereign Centre in Weston-super-Mare, has commenced operations, welcoming children eager to meet Father Christmas. Additionally, children have the opportunity to engage in craft-making at the “Elf Workshop” and participate in a snowball fight. In Taunton, actors are preparing for a Christmas season of Pinocchio performances at The Brewhouse. The production is scheduled to run from 4-29 December and will feature both audio-described performances and those with a BSL translator. This week, businesses in Cheddar collaborated to present an alternative to Black Friday, encouraging local residents to support independent traders through the ‘Colour Friday’ campaign. Charlie McGloin photographed an enchanting Glastonbury Abbey last week, as temperatures experienced a decline. Wookey Hole is also embracing the Christmas spirit, with 100,000 fairy lights now illuminating the path to Santa’s Grotto and the Elves’ Toy Factory for visitors. The attraction operates on weekends until 21 December, after which it will be open daily until Christmas Eve. Sir Liam Fox, a former Member of Parliament from Tickenham, received the title of Knight Bachelor from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. This distinction acknowledges his contributions to political and public service. 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 disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.