DUNSTER turns its back on the nuclear age by illuminating its quaint medieval streets by candlelight tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.

A Lantern Lighting procession marks the start of the village’s 28th ‘Dunster by Candlelight’ festival as it winds its way through the village from the Steep at 5.30pm.

During both evenings there will be a variety of street entertainers including carol singers, Morris dancers, handbell ringers and a fairground organ.

Dunster Castle is to be lit up by floodlights, creating a wash of colours on the castle walls (see above).

The Quantock Musical Theatre and Taunton Preparatory School choirs will be filling the halls with the sounds of carols.

The 17th Century stables will be filled with local crafts and food stall holders, with a chance to take out a hot drink or two, whilst the National Trust shop will be bursting with Christmas gift ideas and open until late over both nights.

West Somerset Railway will be bringing visitors from Bristol to Dunster and Minehead for the festival via steam train, calling at Nailsea and Backwell, Yatton, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge, Bridgwater and Taunton.

There will be special coach links from outside Minehead railway station to and from Dunster Steep car park during the candlelight evenings when the roads into Dunster are closed.

Passengers alighting at Dunster station have a 20- minute walk to the event and are advised to take a torch.

Details about the First Great Western excursion train can be found (and bookings made) at firstgreatwestern.co.uk The annual festival, funded by Dunster traders and run by the Candlelight Committee, is held in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice.