Exmoor will twinkle and sparkle with the magic of Christmas as locals prepare to welcome visitors in the lead up to the festive season
Two of the most popular places on Exmoor will be putting on spectacular seasonal events yet again for its Winter visitors.
With its impressive castle providing a dramatic backdrop, Dunster is regarded as the medieval jewel in Exmoor’s crown.
And to celebrate the history and heritage of the village, Dunster by Candlelight on 6 and 7 December takes on a medieval theme for 2013.
This year there will be fire sword duelling and battle re-enactment, an archery and sword group, a birds of prey display, music from medieval and Tudor musicians and historical dramas.
The annual lantern lighting procession will weave through the cobbled streets to mark the beginning of the festival on the Friday at 5.30pm with local children, musicians and stilt-walkers in fantastic costumes hanging up the lanterns. During both evenings the village will be full of the sounds of brass bands, carol singers, Morris Dancers, Samba musicians, hand bell ringers, a large fairground organ and choirs in the parish church. It all adds up to create an atmosphere that promises to be a traditional and magical event for all ages.
Entrance is free, although visitors will need to pay for the park and ride buses operating from local towns and villages as there is no parking (or cars) in Dunster during the event. West Somerset Railway also runs steam trains to and from the event.
For more details go to dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk
Make a weekend of it by heading for Dulverton by Starlight on 8 December.
Its Saxon settlers named Dulverton ‘the secret place’ and once you’ve discovered the charming town for yourself this month, you will want to return again and again.
Lined with a tempting variety of independent shops and eating places, the streets will be festooned with lights for its enchanting starlight on the Sunday. The businesses will be open when festivities take place all afternoon, finishing with a firework display from the top of the church tower.
All Saints stands at the heart of the town and events staged in this historic building include a Christmas Bazaar on 8 December. For more details and information on concerts visit eventsatallsaints.co.uk
For further information on Exmoor go to Visit-Exmoor.co.uk or exmoortourismpartnership.co.uk
