After months of hard work and preparation from the Ilminster Christmas Lights Committee, the night of the event finally arrived on Friday, November 21, living up to its reputation of being among the best Christmas light displays in Somerset.

Ilminster shopkeepers also did their part, keeping their businesses open late, serving festive refreshments and dressing up their windows for this year's best dressed window competition, which this year fell under the theme of "magical Christmas forest".

Ilminster's newest bar in the Phoenix building also set up a pop-up stall on the night for those seeking mulled beverages.

READ MORE: 'A gathering for the magically minded': 23-year-old starts first Ilminster coven

READ MORE: Beauty salon run by best friends opens in Ilminster town centre

READ MORE: 'We are really proud': Historic pub near Ilminster celebrates 10 year milestone

The day itself started at around midday when five schools - South Petherton, Herne View, Hambridge, Three Saints and Neroche performed in Market Square.

From 4pm, food and drink vendors set up shop, alongside the local businesses and the Isle Youth Centre on Frog Lane, ready for the parade at 6.20pm.

Throughout the square, bouncy castles, rides and more for children and families were also set up along East Street.

At 6.20pm exactly, the colourful parade started, making its way through Silver Street, through the Market Square and East Street with Ilminster Diamond Majorettes taking the lead, followed by the annual lantern parade, Father Christmas in his sleigh, the cast of Ilminster Warehouse's "Alice in Blunderland" and Fortitude Performance Team.

Alongside this, Ilminster Ukele Club performed live music in the Isle Youth Centre on Frog Lane.

Then, after a countdown, at 7pm the button was pressed and the whole town was instantly illuminated.

According to the lights committee, this year's illuminations include improvements to the Swan Precinct as well as other garlands throughout the town.

Over 90 Christmas trees have also been erected- including some that are 20 feet tall.

Some of the large trees around town will have improved lighting from last year, and all the shop trees will also have "new and improved lights."

A spokesperson for Ilminster Town Council said: "Ilminster has one of the best Christmas light displays in Somerset. The entire town is decorated with thousands of lights, from the market square through to West Street, Silver Street and beyond."