THE best ever Christmas lights switch-on event is how manager of Tavistock BID Janna Sanders described last Saturday evening’s extravaganza in town.

The official switch on formed part of a full programme of entertainment taking place on stage in Bedford Square which included family-friendly interactive fun with the renowned Magic Martin, performances from folk star Seth Lakeman, The Callington Gospel Choir and Ellie Brook McCall plus an appearance by the show stopping Living Snow Globe!

Janna told the Times: We are thrilled at how many people turned out to celebrate the occasion. The evening was a great start to our festive season here in Tavistock and was a special opportunity to thank some of our local key workers for all they have done throughout the pandemic. We are grateful to our sponsors for contributing to the event and to the lights in the Churchyard and also to Tavistock Town Council staff for ensuring we were all safe on the night. Tavistock really is a special place, especially at Christmas.’

The key workers and children who pressed the button to switch on the lights with Seth Lakeman and were given special recognition were: Tavistock Primary teaching assistant Mel Steer and pupils David and Emily Neal; paediatric nurse at Derriford A &E Janet Finnegan and daughter Elizabeth who goes to Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School; Mount Kelly pupils James and Thomas Sheridan with father David Sheridan, a consultant hepatologist at Derriford and mum Susan Sheridan, a GP at Derriford; Ella and Ryan Hennessey from Whitchurch Primary School with Charlotte Hennessey, a care worker at Yelverton Residential Home; Rachael Giles from St Rumons Infant School and mum Rebekah Giles, a teacher at St Peter’s School; Paul Ross, a GP at Abbey Surgery and Gabby Ross, a teaching assistant at Whitchurch Primary School with their son Zac from St Peter’s School.

See pages 6 and 7 for pictures from the event by Dave Crawford.