A Christmas light switch-on is set to return after it was cancelled due to verbal abuse of its volunteers.

The event to mark switching on Beaminster's Christmas light was cancelled in 2023 due to abuse suffered by its volunteers during the 2022 festival, but it is now set to make a return.

Following this cancellation Beaminster made national evening news about cash-strapped councils around the country pulling the plug on Christmas events - though it would later clarify that the reason for this cancellation was not a lack of money, but because of abuse.

Key staff and volunteers, who generously donated their time, had encountered instances of verbal abuse during the course of the 2022 festival.

The News understands the abuse was in response to the road closures and restrictions in the town centre caused by the event. 

Read more: Popular Christmas festival cancelled due to ‘difficult economic times’

Read more: Locals react to cancelled Beaminster Christmas festival

Read more: Real reason town Christmas switch-on didn't go ahead

However, the Beaminster Town Council has now announced it will be re-starting this well-loved annual celebration in the Town Square.

A spokesperson for Beaminster Town Council said: "We are happy to confirm plans celebrating our annual ‘switch-on’ of the town’s Christmas lights. This is scheduled for the evening of Friday, November 29.

"There are further plans for a few local food vendors to be in the Town Square, along with other Beaminster organisations, to provide festive treats - and hopefully some Christmas carols - and generally enhance the exciting plans for the Beaminster School PTA Christmas Fair, to be held in Beaminster Public Hall from 5.30 pm to 8.00pm.

"Additionally, Beaminster St. Mary’s Academy PTFA will be hosting a ‘Santa’s Grotto’ – also to be held in the Public Hall from 5.30pm."

The switch on will take place at 6pm.

The town council said that the 2022 festival cost in the region of £11,000,  which did not include the many hours of time given by volunteers and council staff.

Last year instead of a switch-on, smaller events were hosted by groups including St Mary's Primary School and the secondary school. Prout Bridge and the church also hosted events.