DICKENSIAN Evening last Friday saw more people flood into Tavistock than ever before — and has been labelled ‘the best one yet’ by local dignitaries and residents alike.

The historic event is held each year to launch the town’s Christmas season and is a popular evening for local residents, visitors and businesses.

But last Friday it was estimated that approximately 15,000 people came to the town for the event, organised by Tavistock’s Business Improvement District (BID) — more than has ever been recorded in previous years!

Shops were open until late and streets were lined with live music, choirs, stilt walkers, Morris dancers, mulled wine and cider, fantastic food and Father Christmas — plus there were reindeer and huskies for people of all ages to see up close.

Tavistock Mayor Philip Sanders deemed the event the ‘best Dickensian’ he has ever attended and was pleased to see people of all ages enjoy what the town had to offer.

He said: ‘I was privileged to attend two events on Friday, December 1 — the Christmas Tree Festival in St Eustachius’ Church and then the switching on of the lights for Dickensian Evening, which was the best we have seen for many years.

‘Congratulations to BID and the businesses that took part — it was wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying themselves.

‘The town was buzzing and was packed from the top of West Street to the bottom of Brook Street.

‘This was the best Dickensian that I have been to and the public and businesses that I have spoken to have all said the same.’

BID manager Lisa Piper said the event was the highlight of Tavistock’s calendar and this year proved a huge success.

‘Dickensian Eve-ning was always an opportunity for the shops to give back to their customers and that’s what it’s about — to thank everyone and showcase Tavistock at its best and to make the most out of what we have got.

‘Tavistock was busy — we had the most people we have ever had for a Dickensian Evening.

‘There was a lovely atmosphere and we have had positive feedback from the general public.

‘Putting on an event of this scale involves working with lots of organisations and I want to thank the town council, in particular the works department for their marshalling of the evening, TASS for providing the ‘park and ride, DC Stage Hire, Julian Greaves from JT Greaves for his help with the Christmas lights, the Robey Trust and the clean up crew after the event as the town was spotless. Thank you to everyone that took part, including the Rotary club and Lions, and a big thank you to the shops and businesses that got into the spirit.’

The chairman of Tavistock’s Chamber of Commerce Mike Harper said the event was amazing for the town.

‘The chamber handed out over 1,000 bags, the atmosphere was fantastic and it was a great success for the town and its businesses.

‘Well done to the organisers.’

Competition winners were: Best dressed window: winner, Bee Hive; runner-up, Allan Dolan. Best charity shop window: winner, Children’s Hospice; runner-up, St Luke’s Hospice. Best dressed team: Hansford Bell; runner-up, Abode. Best dressed market stall: Marilyn’s Crafty Place.