Tavistock’s Dickensian Evening on Friday, December 5 invites visitors to enjoy a nostalgic festive celebration.

The town comes alive with the scent of roasting chestnuts, late-night shopping, and vibrant street entertainment, including stilt walkers, choirs, bands, and a merry-go-round for children.

Craft, food, drink, and gift stalls fill the streets and the Butchers’ Hall, while St Eustachius Church offers a calm, atmospheric escape with the Christmas Tree Festival.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, with free town-centre parking from 3pm and a Park & Ride from Morrisons from 4:15pm. Highlights include Elfic and Rosie Rainbow’s Dickensian Circus, a lantern parade at 5pm, and the lights switch-on at 5:45pm.

A glimpse of What’s on & Where:

As you walk the streets and breathe in the festive atmosphere, the shops & Pannier Market open late and a host of exciting performers are on hand to entertain you, including:

Elfic – Juggler & Jester

Hilarious, dynamic, madcap juggling and circus performances.

A Dickensian Adaptation by Rosie Rainbow Circus

A thrilling Dickensian Circus Show that will astound and delight.

Your Host – Magic Martin

You are sure of a magical adventure this Dickensian Evening with the much-loved Magic Martin as your host for the evening. A show packed full of fun and mayhem.

Higher Beings

The Spirit of Christmas has arrived with these enchanting Sugar Plum Fairies from on high.

Professor Challenger's Mechanical Musical Wonders

Marvel at this illuminated barrel organ as it travels through the town, transporting you back in time.

Dickensian Lantern Parade 5:00-5:20 Meet in St. Eustachius Churchyard at 4:50pm.

Bedford Square Stage – with your host Magic Martin 5:00-5:30 Welcome by Magic Martin 5:30-5:45 Official Welcome with the Mayor of Tavistock & Christmas Light Switch-On at 5:45pm 5:50-6:05 Tavistock Primary School Sings 6:10-6:25 Mary Tavy & Brentor Primary School Sings 6:25-6:45 Magic Martin 6:45-7:00 Tavistock Youth Choir 7:00-7:30 Magic Martin 7:30-7:45 Local Business Window Dressing & Costume Award Ceremony 7:45-8:00 Magic Martin 8:00-8:15 Community Carol Singing with the Church Choir and Stannary Brass Band 8:15-8:30 Tavy Tars

Guildhall Car Park 6:00 | 7:00 | 8:00 Elfic All night - Fairground Attractions All night - Street Food

Upper West Street 6:15 | 7:15 Felix the LED Entertainer 8:15-9:00 Lodestone Morris

Russell Street 5:45-6:15 Stannary Brass Band 7:00-7:45 Lodestone Morris

Lower West Street All night - Father Christmas 5:45-6:30 Lodestone Morris 7:00-7:30 Stannary Brass Band 8:00-8:30 Felix the LED Entertainer

Bank Square Car Park 6:00-6:30 Dickensian Adaptation by Rosie Rainbow Circus 7:15-7:45 Dickensian Adaptation by Rosie Rainbow Circus

Duke Street – Old Rest Rooms

5:45 | 6:30 | 7:15 Terrie-Mae McNulty

Brook Street (outside the Cooperative) Robey Trust Steam Engine – all night

Lawsons Car Park 5:45 | 6:45 | 7:45 Banned From The Moor

With special thanks to the local businesses who sponsored this feature:

Wings Chartered Accounts - https://wingsaccountants.co.uk/