A YEAR of celebrations commemorating the 900th anniversary of the granting of Tavistock?s market charter is nearing a climax ? and the next event is sure to go off with a bang! The Charter Group, which has organised a series of special events throughout the year, has sponsored a special firework set for this Saturday?s big display in Tavistock?s Meadows, organised by the town?s Lions Club. Iain Andrews, chairman of the Charter Group, said: ?We thought it would be nice to have the market charter logo as part of the display. We approached the firework manufacturer who has actually made up the whole thing, which will go off in a blaze of light and smoke ? we are all really looking forward to it.? The display starts at 7.30pm, gates open at 6.45pm. And by popular demand, there will be a further performance of Pillar of Fire, which involves children from Tavistock schools. The production, written by Julian Barnicoat of All-Out Performing Arts, was originally staged in the Parish Church Centre during the medieval weekend this summer ? now it is being performed again, this time in St Eustachius Church on Wednesday November 16. Pillar of Fire traces a fascinating route through recorded history and legend and is based around an Anglo Saxon tale which chronicles the appearance of an angel by woods next to the River Tavy, described as being ?like a pillar of fire brighter than the sun at noonday?. New performers will be joining the original line up for the church performance, which producers say will be exciting for everyone. Julian Barnicoat said: ?The church is such an ideal venue, very appropriate because of its historical references and also great for presentation and sound. We are really looking forward to working there.? The performance lasts around 30 minutes and is open to everyone ? entrance is free. Young people will also be the focus of the penultimate charter celebration of the year ? a lantern procession around the streets of Tavistock on November 25. The procession, similar to the one held in Truro every winter, will feature children and young people holding special lanterns which they have made under the supervision of specialists artists Fire Safety of Sticklepath. Iain Andrews said: ?It sounds as though we could get up to 300 lanterns, so it should be as big as the Truro event, which is fantastic. ?I think it really will look absolutely wonderful ? we?re just hoping the weather smiles on us.? The children will be led by Stannary Brass Band and at the end of the procession, Tavistock Lions Club?s Tree of Light will be switched on in Bedford Square. The finale of the year?s events will take place on December 13 in Tavistock Parish Church ? a Lammas Concert, similar to an event held in January. Iain said: ?Everyone responded so well to their concert in January that started the whole year off, whom better to draw it to a close.?
