A 'FRENZY of activity' is being forecast for this year's Dickensian Evening, being staged in Tavistock on Friday November 26.

The big event, organised by the chamber of commerce, has been timed to coincide with the switching on of the town's Christmas lights — and the chamber is pulling out all the stops to provide a great evening of entertainment during the festive late night shopping bonanza.

Chamber chairman Nigel Eadie told members at Monday's meeting that the entire town centre would be transformed for the night, with a new attraction for the western end of Tavistock.

'This year we are trying to organised a market in West Street, comprising different stalls decorated with a Christmas theme. There's also going to be an olde worlde-style fair, with swing boats and a coconut shy.'

Mr Eadie said moving Dickensian Evening from the first Friday in December to the same evening as the Christmas lights were switched on was calculated at making the event bigger and better.

'By formally starting at 5.45pm, when the children of St Peter's and St Rumon's schools switch the lights on, people will get here earlier,' he said.

Mr Eadie said the chamber had made huge efforts to publicise Dickensian Evening extensively and earlier than normal, mainly because of the date change.

He urged all participating businesses to join in the spirit of the night and dress up in Victorian costume — contributions towards the running costs were also being requested.

Chamber member Guy Talbot did have some concerns about the event's publicity campaign.

He said: 'I am a bit worried you are going to over-sell it. We have had Duke Street solid with people in the past, you could barely walk down it. If we are not careful it will be so packed people won't be able to get in or out, and then they'll say "Stuff that" and not come back next year.'

But Mr Eadie said because the activities were spread out further this year, he did not think over-crowding would be a problem.

'It's been too densely packed in the past — this year there's really going to be a frenzy of activity all over the town,' he said.

Entertainment will include music from Stannary Brass, local music groups, carol singers, a unicyclist, stilt walkers, Morris dancers, steam engines, fire 'artistry' and a 'fabulous' Victorian carousel. It will begin at 6.15pm and will take place in Duke Street, Bedford Square and the pannier market. A carol service will be staged in the square at 7.30pm.

Refreshments in the form of a hog roast, roasted chestnuts and mince-pies will be available, plus mulled wine — and even the opportunity to try Victorian gruel!

Chamber member Christopher Kirwin said the Christmas tree festival in St Eustachius would be opened by the mayor of Tavistock on the Friday afternoon — 56 decorated trees would be seen in and outside the church and there would also be activities in the church yard.

Andy Lyle, general manager at Tavistock Area Support Services, said he would be organising five mini buses to bring people in and out from Milton Abbot, Princetown, Yelverton and Lifton — the Anchorage Centre would also be loaning out their mobility scooters on the night.

Anyone who would like to book a seat on the TASS mini buses should call Kevin Mathison on 01822 617525. Tickets cost £2.50 return and are available on a first come, first served basis. Mobility scooters also need to be booked through Kevin on the same number.