CHRISTMAS festivities in Chard will get off to a rock and roll start next month.

Members of the Chard Town Team, set up by the council and community to improve the town, are already making preparations for the Christmas lights ceremony on Friday, November 30.

Jason Baker, speaking on behalf of the Town Team, said: “We are planning a rock and roll-themed evening and are hoping to involve all the local schools in a Christmas treasure hunt.”

Jason said it was hoped that all businesses and shops in the town centre would get involved with the treasure hunt as it would attract customers.

“The idea of the treasure hunt is for a clue to be given to the children who will come into shops and premises, along with their parents, and either ask for or find the answer to the clue there,” Jason said.

“But in order for this to happen we are asking shops and businesses to stay open until 8pm on November 30.

“In return, visitors who may not come into Chard town centre during the day will be finding out about businesses and what they have to offer.

“We very much would like this themed evening to be a community event that promotes both the town and businesses within it, and hope that with plenty of support it will be a good evening for everyone.”

Jason said the Town Team would like to see every business in the town put up a Christmas tree outside its premises to make the town look as festive as possible.

For more information about how to get involved or make a donation to the Christmas lights, contact Jason on 01460-63266 or 077363-10805.

n The annual Christmas lights switch-on in Crewkerne is also on November 30.

n The Victorian Evening and lights switch-on in Ilminster is on Friday, November 23.