THE tempting smells of bacon butties and hot roasted chestnuts filled the air in Bere Alston on Saturday, as the village came together to celebrate the annual Victorian Evening. Organised by the carnival committee, the event provided plenty of festive cheer for the crowds, who enjoyed mulled wine and carols accompanied by the Salvation Army. In addition to steam train rides, children were able to go and visit Father Christmas in his grotto in the offices of Mansbridge and Balment Estate Agents. Pantomime was the theme of the window dressing competition, which was judged by Lyn Roberts, general manager of the Times. The winner was Paul Graeme-Drury?s Cinderella complete with computer mice, while the Co-operative Society?s staff received the best costume award for their Peter Pan theme. The parish hall played host to a splendid Twilight Bazaar providing an opportunity to stock up on some Christmas shopping. Fundraising included help for disadvantaged children abroad, Chernobyl Aid Devon, the Bere Community Project, the village?s bowling club, football club, scouts and guides groups and Bere Valley Playgroup. The grand raffle was drawn by Michael Endean, chairman of the parish council.