THE streets of Tavistock were filled to bursting with festive bargain hunters last Friday, as thousands flocked to the town to enjoy the atmosphere of the annual Dickensian Evening. Shopkeepers, many clad in Victorian costume, stayed open late into the evening, offering their customers such festive fare as mince pies and mulled wine. As cash tills rang up constant streams of transactions inside, outside in the street the shoppers were entertained by Morris dancers and music from Stannary Brass Band, the Mayflower Chorus and One Point Five. The Vicar of Tavistock, Prebendary John Rawlings, led a carol service in Bedford Square accompanied by the St Eustachius Choir, while the daring exploits of a fire eater drew huge crowds. Throughout the town the tasty smells of sizzling bangers and burgers cooked by Lions club members could be sniffed, along with the ?world famous bacon baps?, fried up by members of the town?s Round Table club. The staff from Four Seasons won the competition for the best Dickensian costume on the night ? winners of the best dressed window went to Mayflower Galleries. David Scrivener, chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce which organised the event, said he was delighted at the success of Dickensian Evening. ?I?d like to say a big thank-you to everyone who took part in such a successful event, and to the mayors of Tavistock and West Devon who helped judge the costume and best-dressed window competitions. ?I think everything went to plan and I?ve had a lot of positive comments from people ? it was very good indeed.?
