It wouldn't be Christmas without Cheddar Festive Night and the 10th year of the celebration should be magic thanks to a special guest.

Cheddar illusionist Lea Norman – also known as the Dreaded Mentalist – will be whisked around the village in a posh car with on Friday, December 4, and perform his unique brand of psychological illusions and mind-bending suggestions.

He will share his whistle-stop journey of the village with Cheddar Parish Council chairman Peter Lythgoe and Sedgemoor District Council chairwoman Jane Moreton has been invited along for the ride.

The Whoppa Rocket will take off from St Andrew's Church at 5.30pm to start the fun, followed by a traditional carol service to get everyone in a festive mood.

Children are encouraged to come along on the night in fancy dress and armed with torches and candles.

There will be free food and music at Cox's Mill, nearby Cloud Nine, the Riverside Inn and the Bath Arms, with many shops staying open late.

Famous cave discoverer Richard Gough will welcome visitors for candlelit tours of Gough's Cave at 6pm and 7.30pm, before making way for Santa Claus, who sets up his grotto in Gough's Cave from December 12. Ring 01934 742343 for details.

There will be no missing Cheddar Tourist Information Centre with music by Brass Attack! The Congresbury and the Salvation Army bands will also be in the village.

You can also sing-a-long with Mendip Rotary Club in the Rotary Garden at Cheddar Gorge.

The Shapwick Mummers will perform their traditional medieval play at locations through the village.

Chops will offer free hair consultations and nail paintings and The Cafe will supply free hot drinks and dream interpretations.

Cliff Street will be closed to traffic and its car park will be packed with rides, amusements, stalls and a big prize tombola – including a free trolley dash in Budgens. Enter free with your Cheddar Valley Gazette voucher – coming soon.

BBC Radio Somerset will return to broadcast from its roadshow bus at Cliff Street car park with presenter

And the Cheddar Valley Gazette's own Billie Bear enjoyed last year so much he can't wait to return.

The champion of the traditional Cliff Street lights competition will be declared during festive night.

In a change of format, the annual Christmas lights competition by the Rotary Club of Mendip will end nearly a week later.

The time extension will allow every resident of Cheddar who wants to enter more opportunity to decorate the fronts of their homes or create stunning set pieces.

To enter, cut out and fill in the entry form next to this story.

Entry forms are also available in Cheddar shops and from the parish council's office. They can also be downloaded from the above web links.

Remember: judges can only properly inspect your home if the illuminations are on. Entrants are asked to light their displays from 6pm on Friday, December 11 for a few hours, and from 6pm on for the next few evenings for them to do their rounds.