Festive fun for all
Ilminster Arts Centre presents a packed programme of festive fun for all leading up to Christmas.
There's something for everyone - from the Christmas lights switch-on to singalongs and carols and a Christmas craft show.
The art centre's gift shop, which supports 80 craft makers across the South West, will be open an hour later than usual, until 4pm, on three successive Saturdays from 2 December, providing an ideal opportunity to pick up a special present for yourself or loved ones, whilst supporting a local charity at the same time.
The festive season kicks off on Friday, 24 November with the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On when the arts centre will be open from 6pm to 9pm. Entry is free. The café, bar, gallery and gift shop will be open. Mulled wine, tasty treats and the jaunty sounds of the Ilminster Ukulele Band are bound to get you into the festive spirit.
On Friday, 1 December the Ilminster Community Choir, conducted by Chris Grabham, present their annual Christmas concert in aid of the arts centre. Tickets are only £5 for an uplifting evening of song and fellowship in a beautiful setting.
The following Friday, 8 December, provides a change of tempo and an opportunity to rock out with Roadstars as they celebrate the very best of classic pop-rock from the 60s to the 00s.
Paying tribute to their favourite musical heroes, Roadstars take you on a journey through the decades recreating classic songs from the likes of ZZ Top, The Beatles, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, The Kinks, and many more. Roadstars' live show brings the original era-defining recordings back to life on stage. Anthem after anthem, riff after riff, and solo after solo, this is one band that’s not to be missed!
The fun continues on Friday, 15 December with Dave's Big General Knowledge Quiz, a fundraising evening for the arts centre. Teams of 4 can test their knowledge against others and win prizes! Feel free to bring snacks or a picnic. A bar will be available.
All performances and events start at 7.30. Doors open at 6.30pm with bar. To book and for more information visit www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances or telephone 01460 54973 on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Meanwhile, in the Gallery there's an eye-catching exhibition, until 25 November, of work from a talented group of Neroche artists. The multi-media exhibition includes paintings and sculptures.
Then, from 28 November to 22 December, the popular Christmas Craft Show takes centre stage, showcasing the creative handiwork of local craft makers and displaying a winter wonderland of special festive gifts to purchase. Entry is free.