CELEBRATIONS to mark the dedication and consecration of St Eustachius’ Parish Church in Tavistock 700 years ago start tomorrow (Friday, May 18).

The celebrations kick off with an organ recital by the acclaimed concert organist Richard Lester. Starting at 1pm, his programme will include works by Bach, Couperin and Messiaen.

On Saturday (May 19), the Choir of St Eustachius’ will present a 700th anniversary concert, beginning at 7.30pm. The music will include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Rutter, Walton, Parry and Bruckner. Steven Martin directs, accompanied by Andrew Millington, former director of music at Exeter Cathedral.

On Sunday morning, everyone is invited to a dedication festival eucharist led by St Eustachius’ vicar, the Very Rev Dr Christopher Hardwick, starting 9.45am, and to a festival evensong at 6pm.

On Monday (May 21) St Eustachius’ bell ringers will ring a ‘quarter peal’, under the direction of tower captain George Mudge, starting 6.30pm. The church’s peal of ten bells will echo around the streets of Tavistock for about an hour.

At 7.30pm the Rev Dr Steven Martin will give an illustrated talk exploring what happened on the day of consecration of St Eustachius’ Church 700 years ago, entitled ‘On this day in 1318’. The talk is part of the church’s 700th anniversary lecture series.

• A free 700th Anniversary Guide to Events booklet is available at the back of the church and at the Tourist Information Centre, Tavistock Post Office. All events listed above are free, with a retiring collection in aid of church funds.