THE rain held off for this year’s Dickensian Evening, which saw hundreds of people fill the streets of Tavistock to revel in festive cheer and take advatage of late night shopping.

Chestnuts, food and refreshments were on offer throughout the main street and shopkeepers and staff dressed up in Dickensian finery and Christmas themed outfits. A lantern parade, singing by St Peter’s junior school choir, live music, morris dancers, street stalls, reindeer and Father Christmas entertained visitors along with other activities on offer.

The annual event is organised by Tavistock BID and although this year was separate from the Christmas lights switch-on, organisers said it didn’t seem to affect the number of people getting involved.

Janna Sanders, BID manager, said: ‘We are so pleased with how Dickensian Evening went this year. The atmosphere in the town was magical, the town was buzzing with activity and the mix of entertainment proved to be popular.

‘The lantern parade and earlier community singing were lovely new additions to the evening — thanks to those who made the effort to take part.

‘Footfall was comparable to, if not better than, previous years and does not appear to have been affected by the separating of the light switch-on, which was welcome news. A great deal of planning goes into the event and we are grateful for the support of the town council in delivering it and all the community groups who are such an integral part of the night.

‘All in all it was a great evening, one that really showcases our wonderful town and we would like to thank everyone who came along to celebrate the festive season and to support our local businesses.’