Get withy with it at Combe Christmas lights switch on this Friday!

Ilfracombe is geared up for its Combe Christmas event on Friday (November 28) when thousands are expected to gather to enjoy the annual lighting of the lights, entertainment and merriment.

Organisers have reached back into the mists of Christmases past to recreate a traditional withy lantern parade, which will set off from the Candar at 6pm to make its way to the war memorial square, which will be filled with people anticipating the 7pm switch on.

This year the lights will be switched by Chloe Aston, Ilfracombe’s own ‘piano bike girl’, who hit the headlines in October when thieves stole her dad’s van with most of their possessions, prompting an outpouring of support from North Devon.

Above: Chloe Aston will switch on the Ilfracombe Christmas lights.

The withy lantern parade should make quite a sight to kick off proceedings – withies are willow branches and this new ‘old’ touch for the parade is the brainchild of Mel Turnbull, who runs hand:plant, a community focused art gallery and coffee shop on the High Street.

Above: Making withy lanterns for the Combe Christmas lantern parade at the Landmark Theatre workshops organised by hand:plant. Credit: Tim Lamerton

Over the past couple of weeks, Mel, with help from Carole Turner and others, has been running free workshops for families at the Landmark Theatre to build lanterns, thanks to funding from North Devon Council's Flourishing Culture fund.

Mel, who also represents Ilfracombe High Street Traders, longstanding supporters of the annual Christmas lights switch on, said the parade has an ‘under the sea’ theme, with a variety of decorative lanterns – including plenty of fish – to light up a chilly November evening.

Above: Carol Turner helping out with at the under the sea-themed withy lantern workshops at the Landmark. Credit: Tim Lamerton

At the war memorial area, there will be music from DJ Richy J and once the parade arrives, Chloe will perform before switching on the lights, then all those in attendance will be invited to head to the High Street for a wide range of entertainment, food, drink and of course, late night shopping.

Blazing Sounds will be playing at the Lantern Centre from 7 to 9pm, Rebecca Varley dance Academy will be giving a performance at the old Lloyds Bank building from 7 to 7.45pm, Scuttlebutt Shanty will be singing from the Baptist Church steps from 7 to 9pm and there will be a variety of displays from Clubbercise, Tornados Allstars and Shimmyfit by Oxford Grove.

As ever there will be a range of street food vendors along the High Street offering all manner of tasty delights.

Many of Ilfracombe’s High Street shops will be opening later on every Friday throughout December and there will be free parking courtesy of Ilfracombe Town Council at the High Street and Ropery Road car parks from 4pm every Friday and all day Saturday in December.

Find out more about Ilfracombe’s big festive events and more to come on the Combe Christmas Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/combechristmas