THERE was a great atmosphere in Tavistock last Friday night when the town’s hugely popular Dickensian Evening returned after a two-year gap to fill with streets with colour, lights and costume.

The rain definitely did not stop play, as people dressed up, watched dancing and entertainment and enjoyed browsing the shops and admiring the creativity of those who created displays in the windows.

‘Despite the inclement weather, we were really pleased at the turnout on Friday evening,’ said Tavistock BID manager Janna Sanders, who spearheaded the organisation of the evening. ‘It was wonderful to see the Dickensian magic returning to town once again with the smell of chestnuts on the street, the Christmas lights and all those traders who dressed up for the night. Thank you to all who came and supported the event and thank you to all the town council staff who worked hard to ensure our safety on the night.’

Among the entertainment here were carols sung by children from Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School and Tavistock Community Primary School and entertainment from sea shanty group the Tavy Tars. The Stannary Brass Band played and the the Lodestone Border and Wreckers Border Morris troupes danced.

Street entertainment included fire performers and stilt walkers dresssed in fantastic ice queen costumes as well as a lantern parade supported by West Devon Art Workshop and steam engines from the Robey Trust.

The Window Dressing Competitions were judged by the mayor of Tavistock Andy Hutton:

The result were as follows: Best Dressed Window – Cabana Interiors; runner-up – Moorwishes. Best Newcomer Window – Boutique 32; runner-up – Monsters Art Emporium. Best Charity Shop Window – St Luke’s Hospice; runner-up – Children’s Hospice South West. Best Creative Idea – Hansford Bell; Special Commendation for Effort – Mime.

Best Dressed Team – Hansford Bell; runner-up – Tavistock Pannier Market. Best Dressed Market Stall – Lillians Craft; runner-up– Seagreen Coco Bean.