What is Dunster by Candlelight?
Every winter, the stunning medieval village of Dunster holds a uniquely special and truly beautiful event, Dunster by Candlelight. The first Friday & Saturday of December, when the sun goes down, Dunster descends into darkness, for a Christmas market by candlelight. Processions, performances and festivities are held and the stalls and sellers gleam in the gorgeous glow of lanterns, flares, candles and twinkling fairy lights which transforms the village into a Christmas sight to behold. This year, Dunster by Candlelight 2023 will be held Friday 1st December 5pm-9pm & Saturday 2nd December 4pm-9pm.
The History of Dunster By Candlelight
In the mid 1980s, because Dunster Castle closed for the winter and the colder, darker days meant less visitors for the village. The local traders found themselves struggling to keep going through the snowy season. It was for this reason that the idea to hold a candlelit market with festivities came about, to bring the village to life even after the sun had gone to bed. Since then, it has become hugely charitable too. Every year they raise a fabulous amount for St Margaret’s Hospice and other local charities.
What’s on at Dunster by Candlelight 2023?
On Friday night, it’s the annual lantern lighting procession. (This starts on The Steep.) And on Saturday there’s a soldiers procession with flaming torches and drums! (This starts on West Street). This year there will also be a Candlelight fair in Dunster Tithe Barn with Father Christmas & his grotto, carollers, a display from the Somerset Railway Modellers Club & a hog roast outside in the car park!
- Bowlore Flaming Swords
- Mitchell and Vincent Acoustic Duo
- Rivertones Chorus A Capella Group
- Jonathan Weeks (Musician of medieval instruments!)
- Sutton Household Medieval Re-enactment Group
- West Somerset Morris Men
…and even the incredible Giffords Circus once or twice!
How do I get to Dunster by Candlelight?
Important to note: the roads are closed to all traffic during the event because the streets are filled with markets & processions & performers! Therefore, there is also no parking in Dunster Village or in the National Trust car park from 2.30pm on both days. Which means, unless you are staying in or very near Dunster and can walk, to get there, you have to take a bus. They have plenty of bus routes arranged from various nearby towns & villages. For more information on where and when these buses go from, please visit: https://dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk/buses-and-parking.
Other Useful Information
It’s also worth noting that there is no cash point in Dunster, and a lot of the stalls, shops, entertainment etc will be cash only, so make sure to come prepared.
Where should I stay for Dunster by Candlelight?
