Candlelit Dartmouth is an annual festive weekend for the whole family.

From small beginnings it has grown from strength to strength and is now firmly established as one of the town’s many popular events during the year, alongside the music festival, regatta and the food festival.

It is organised by a small committee aided by Diverse Events and a host of hard-working willing volunteers on the weekend itself. This year we also have the support of Mayflower 400.

Prior to the event there are a series of workshops to allow families to create fabulous lanterns that they proudly parade during the finale on Saturday.

The event begins today, on Friday, November 30, at 4pm with the Christmas Market centred in the town’s Royal Avenue Gardens. Musicians and entertainers add to the seasonal atmosphere both in the Gardens and around town.

A choir and musicians from the BRNC Volunteer Band lead carol singing around the Christmas tree prior to the official switch on of the town’s Christmas lights. Then at 6pm Santa arrives by boat.

This year the Harbour Master has kindly offered to deliver him to the Town Quay due to low tides preventing his arrival in the boat float. He will then be escorted to his throne in the Royal Avenue Gardens where he will greet the excited crowds of waiting children. Festivities continue until 8pm with music and street entertainment.

Tomorrow, on Saturday, December 1, the market, music and entertainment all resume at 10am. The crafters’ market runs from 10am till 4pm in the Old Market offering an eclectic choice of beautiful handcrafted gifts. Santa moves to his grotto in the Flavel Hall, which also hosts seasonal workshops. For those who have not managed to attend one of the weekend workshops there is an opportunity to create a smaller lantern and to join in the parade.

Workshops can be booked in advance via the Flavel or pay on the day. The popular “best-dressed Christmas dog” competition at the Bandstand encourages many to come and witness the hilarious costumes.

Many shops support the event and open late during the weekend and this provides a lovely atmosphere in the town and an ideal opportunity to purchase special Christmas gifts.

The weekend finale begins at 5.30pm on Saturday when the traditional lantern procession leaves the Old Market. Hundreds of willow and tissue lanterns create an amazing spectacle as they are paraded through the town’s historic streets. The route will be slightly shorter than last year and at 6pm the lantern procession will arrive in Royal Avenue Gardens. For this final hour of Candlelit Dartmouth there is a real party atmosphere.

There is also a free (but yet again donations always welcome) Park and Ride minibus shuttle service from the top of town on Saturday from 10am to 8pm.

Visit the event website for the latest news and information www.candlelitdartmouth.co.uk or on Facebook – Candlelit Dartmouth.