THE first ever Tavistock Heritage Festival, which took over the town at the weekend, has been heralded a great success — and organisers hope to make it an annual event.

One thousand years of Tavistock's unique history was celebrated over the weekend, with a series of events for people of all ages taking place at various venues across the town.

Chairman of the Heritage Festival committee Geri Parlby said: 'We were delighted with how the festival went.

'Tavistock was full on Saturday and Sunday with events going on all weekend. The apothecary and illuminator had people filling the council chambers to watch demonstrations for adults and kids and was great fun.

'On Friday evening the talk by Ian Mortimer and Michael Jecks was very entertaining and Ian also gave a talk at Bedford Hotel about which century saw the most change — 1,000 to 2,000, which was sold-out and we had to turn people away.

'The Raggedy Victorians were great fun and mingled around the town and even popped into the Memory Café which scared a few people!'

Geri said St Eustachius' Church was packed as Geoff Lakeman and other performers celebrated Dartmoor song and dance for an evening concert, the historical writing workshops were well attended and the town walks were very popular. Robey Trust had its steam works open to the public, Mount Kelly hosted a sword school and Tavistock Museum was also open all weekend.

Geri said: 'The town was buzzing. It was the first heritage festival we have held and it couldn't have gone better.

'We are hoping we can make it an annual event but it depends on funding — the festival is run entirely by volunteers.

'The festival is very much for the people of Tavistock so it would be fantastic to get their feedback.'

The committee is keen to hear public thoughts on the event to see how they can improve in the future and to see what events were popular. Send your comments to [email protected]">[email protected]