Seaton and Axminster launch Christmas celebrations

Axe Valley towns switch on their Yuletide illuminations

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Axminster Lantern Parade pictures by ROB COOMBE

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Seaton and Axminster launched their Christmas celebrations on Saturday (December 1).

Both towns switched on their illuminations and staged streets markets and entertainment.

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

At Seaton the day began with the Seaton Eats Boutique and Seaton Artisan Market, both at Windsor Gardens.

The celebrations continued into the evening when the Christmas Carnival floats set off from Harbour Road, travelled up the Underfleet, down through Fore Street and then on to the Esplanade.

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

This year’s parade was led by the local firefighters, Seaton Majorettes and the royal float.

Father Christmas brought up the rear of the procession, stopping off in The Square to greet children.

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Axminster also switched on its Christmas lights on Saturday. This year’s celebrations and lantern parade centred on South Street.

Thanks to funding from the Arts Council England and The Yarlington Community Fund, the organisers - Light Up Axminster - were able to enlist the services of Somerset based circus artists Pirates of the Carabina. They provided a number of professional street artists including a slack rope walker, an aerial gymnast, and stilt walkers.

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Axminster Lions Club’s new Father Christmas float boomed out Christmas hits a’plenty whilst a number of talented local performers brought their own musical flavours to the two stages. There was a procession of lanterns made and carried by local children who were also joined by local musicians and professionals from Actiontrack Performance Company.

Cindy Furse, chairman of Light up Axminster, said: “Light Up Axminster would like to thank everyone who attended in whatever capacity as well as the local businesses who provided everything from electricity to bags of chips and coffees too.

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“Extra special thank yous go to the many volunteers over the week that have helped put up the lights, Axminster Property Services for installing the Christmas trees and our electrician Mike Beviss for getting us lit!”

Midweek Herald: Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife Seaton Christmas Carnival. Ref mha 49 18TI 6158. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: Karizma Majorettes at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6011. Picture: Terry Ife Karizma Majorettes at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6011. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: Axminster Musical Theatre at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6015. Picture: Terry Ife Axminster Musical Theatre at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6015. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6022. Picture: Terry Ife Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6022. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Midweek Herald: Jackie Martin with her christmas trees made from bottle tops at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6030. Picture: Terry Ife Jackie Martin with her christmas trees made from bottle tops at the christmas market in the Guild Hall Axminster. Ref mha 49 18TI 6030. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)