TAVISTOCK?S festive season got off to a roaring start on Friday with the annual Dickensian Evening. The weather may not have been kind but rain failed to stop shoppers coming into town to catch the bargains and soak up the atmosphere of early Christmas cheer. A lantern procession by the town?s schoolchildren, cancelled from the previous Friday because of the snow, added to the night?s attractions. Tavistock Chamber of Commerce secretary and event organiser Guy Talbot said many shopkeepers and visitors had dressed in Dickensian costume, the Pannier Market had a full complement of stalls and entertainers including a fire eater and juggler, Stannary Brass Band, carol singers, Morris dancers and storytellers. ?We had a wide range of charity stalls selling refreshments and the Robey Trust was there with three of its steam engines,? he said. ?It was a very enjoyable evening for everyone despite the weather which threatened but did not succeed in dampening the spirits.? The best window display went to ?Potters Bar? and the best dressed shop assistants title went to ?Tavistock Gets Crafty.? The lantern procession is set to become an annual event with Tavistock College indicating a desire to take on the organisation. It had been run as part of the Market Charter anniversary celebrations this year. Charter Group chairman Ian Andrews said the procession involving many of Tavistock?s schools was amazing and a wonderful sight to see. ?It complemented the evening and I would like to thank everyone who participated,? he said.
