Pictures: Crowds brave the wet to kick start Christmas in Barnstaple

Festive activities across Barnstaple attracted plenty of people for the annual Christmas lights switch on despite the best efforts of the weather.

The event on Thursday (November 27) organised by Barnstaple Town Council saw the traditional stage and switch on at the Square as well as lots of festive fun at the Pannier Market, in the High Street and on the Strand.

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This year the guests of honour to switch on the town’s Christmas lights were a local family representing Children’s Hospice South West, in conjunction with the hospice’s 30th anniversary. Among the performers was Vanessa, whose family has been supported by the hospice.

Above: A local family representing Children’s Hospice South West switched on the Barnstaple Christmas lights for 2025. Credit: BTC

There was also music and entertainment hosted by The Voice, including performances from Centre Stage School, North Devon Gang Show, a Grease rendition and tunes from DJ bunnynotbonnie.

Local businesses hosted ‘Christmas on the Strand’, offering stalls, choirs, live music and festive activities throughout the day, including Queen Anne’s Elf Workshop, supporting the Royal Devon Hospital Charity.

Other attractions included the Christmas Grotto at the Guildhall and the North Devon Hospice x Barnstaple Youth Council pop-up thrift shop.

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The winner of the Christmas Bear in the Square Facebook naming competition was announced, with more than 140 entries. The winning name is Bjorn, a traditional Norwegian name meaning ‘bear’ and ‘courageous’, reflecting Barnstaple’s twinning with a town in Norway.

Above: ‘Bjorn’, the Bear on the Square. Credit: Simon Ellery

Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Janet Coates, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people in the town centre celebrating the start of the festive season. I would like to thank all the partners, volunteers, and local businesses who made this event possible.

“The Christmas switch-on is a great example of Barnstaple coming together as a community.”

Late night shopping continues from 4pm every Thursday up until Christmas, with free parking at Barnstaple Central, Cattle Market, Belle Meadow and Tuly Street car parks provided by North Devon Council.

Above: Barnstaple Mayor Janet Coates and consort Gwen Thomas with Mrs Claus and Santa in the Guildhall Santa’s Grotto. Credit: BTC

**** See more Barnstaple Christmas pictures in the gallery above, courtesy of AW Photographic, Simon Ellery and Barnstaple Town Council ****