Dickens of a good evening

By Plymouth Herald | Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 05:30

TAVISTOCK'S most magical night of the year saw the streets lit up as the town's Christmas lights were illuminated on Dickensian Evening.

VICTORIAN DRESS: Above, Chris Wilkie in character as a chimney sweep. Right, Linda, Nick and Angela Thurlow in their period attire. Left, The Stannary Brass Band entertain. Below right, Tavistock Inner Wheel's Ruby Ditcher and Barbara Miller raise money for the Triangle Centre. Below left, enjoying the entertainment
WHAT A NIGHT: Above, The Snow Queen from Circus into Schools. Right, The Stannary Brass Band. Left, crowds pack the streets

The event, which for many years was held on December's first Friday but is now celebrated on November's last, sees many shop keepers and market stall holders dress-up in period costume handing out mulled wine, trading until 9pm.

Tavistock's Christmas lights were switched on at 5.45pm this year and around 12,000 revellers descended on the town, enjoying brass bands, choirs, Morris dancers, a woodwind band, a fire-eater and jugglers while youngsters were entertained by rides.

A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council said: "Many people who have never been to Tavistock before end up falling in love with it on Dickensian Evening, and come back time and time again."

The traditional occasion has for many years been organised and funded by the Chamber of Commerce with contributions given by businesses in the area.

After this year however, since a Business Improvement District was voted for and approved in June, responsibility for the event will be passed to the BID company.

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Comments

Bet they don't like you being there then Fox! Dig deep and spend your money! :-)

By star2sparkle at 18:31 on 09/12/11
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What's wrong with the market sellers, or other shops for that matter, making money? It's their lively hood after all!? No one is forced into spending money, but the option to participate in late night shopping is there if people choose. Quite handy for many people I can imagine. Anyway, I have been going to Dickensian evening for many years now and rarely have I spent any money at the event. It is not all about that.

By foxinthebox10 at 16:27 on 09/12/11
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Bryn, if you seriously think that the Dickensian evening is not about shopping and spending money at all (remember I said not all) then I would love to accompany you on that nice white fluffy cloud you are floating on! :-) Just ask the market sellers how much they made...before it was even December!

By star2sparkle at 06:58 on 02/12/11
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by Mary
Dickensian Evening has always been a great event. Its not about shopping its about enjoying the atmosphere and joining in with all the people, to be able to forget the daily stress. Everybody makes a great effort for the one evening, which many people appreciate. Plymouth has its evening event for turning on the lights why shouldnt Tavistock. Well done Tavistock keep it up. #ThisisChristmas.

By bryn_1 at 00:22 on 02/12/11
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Cheerio, I love Tavistock but agree with Chris below; I didn't wish to go because of parking difficulties and the amount of people and I didn't want to feel negative about the whole event. I'm sure there are some who don't participate for money but afraid that many do. I have known Tavistock since I was little and I'm afraid that it is becoming a little bit too commercialised which seems a funny thing to say when this was based on Dickens, but I'm sure you get my gist :-)
Anyway, come to Tavi's Got Talent tonight...that's for charity! And fab event run by an ever fabber lady; Shaz who is an amazing singer :-) It's all for Luke's Hospice and I was there in heat one and will be there tonight :-) Its at the Tavy Club from half seven :-)

By star2sparkle at 14:06 on 01/12/11
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