Taunton’s Christmas light switch on will not be taking place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Winterfest events and attractions have also been postponed.
Somerset West and Taunton Council said it ‘supports the decision of Winterfest that staging an event in the town centre is too much of a risk to traders and the public’.
Councillor Marcus Kravis, executive member for economic development, said:
“Winterfest and the switch on event itself attract a significant number of people to the county town and it will be impossible to maintain social distancing.
It is disappointing that these events along with hundreds up and down the country have been postponed but our priority will always be the safety of our businesses, residents and visitors to the town.”
Somerset West and Taunton Council said it will be ‘ensuring that the town looks festive and that it supports traders with initiatives to encourage people to buy local’.
There will be Christmas lights throughout Taunton town centre and the Christmas tree, donated once again by Langford Lakes, will have pride of place on the Parade.
The Christmas lights will be turned on from 22 November but there will be no formal switch on.
A number of smaller festive markets which adhere to Government safety measures, are also planned throughout November and December including the usual festive market in Fore Street.