THE first Taunton Twilight evening saw a large audience of all ages gather in Goodland Gardens this weekend.

Timed to take place as day turns into night, this free twilight event lit revealed the Gardens as a multi-coloured riverside park, with candlelit pathways connecting different sound and light installations, on Saturday, September 14, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Visitors enjoyed performances and workshops, including spectacular aerialists and fire performers on the main Green.

There was live music from Jon Maybey and Hugo Powell and UV projections and animations in Woodland Glades.

The wandering storyteller Sarah Mooney engaged audiences with tales of the night, while a giant white egret glided through the audience guided by puppeteers
Lantern and craft workshops.

Sound installations were placed along the Goodland Weir, festooned with glittering flags. 

Goodland Gardens' "famous old tree" at the Tangier end, with builder’s bricks captured in its trunk, had small Lego brick constructions placed along its roots, created by children on the night. 

Throughout the Gardens, shoals of "flickering fish", giant lit flowers, foxes and badgers, all contributed to an "enchanting evening", organisers said.

The Shed Café stayed open late offering delicious food and drink. 

Fuse Performance, organisers of the event said: "Thank you to all who came and supported this first event in Taunton. Sally and John from FusePerformance, created and produced Taunton Twilight experience for all to enjoy.

"This brought together Fuse fire and light events, and community projects working with local artists, makers, performers and musicians. 

"Thank you to the team of artists and makers. From animations of hedgehogs with   Su Mo to fireflies, moon moths made by Sarah Lovett, music with Jon Maybey looping sounds and Hugo Powell our resident DJ, sound art with Jules Bushall, fire and light shows with Lucy from Fusion Dance Circus with Matt Lemon, aerial dance with Lyn Routeledge, Somerset's giant egret with our Fuse team Robert, Naomi and Scott. Twilight stories with Sarah Mooney, lantern workshops with Annie Jeffs and Rachel Gundry."

One visitor said of the evening: "Taunton Twilight was a great success! Lots of families enjoying Goodland Gardens in the dark. It was lovely. Loved it.

"Really enjoyed listening to Jon Maybey play and watching his mastery of three instruments and the loop technology."

This free event received funding from Taunton Town Council.

Bridgwater Twilight will take place on September 21, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, at King Square, Cornhill, Blake Statue, and Bridgy Gallery, Engine Room, Carnival Centre, SL-ATE Concept Store, and Bridgwater Arts Centre.