AN evening of entertainment, food and drink will be part of today’s great Christmas Light Switch-On event in Tavistock.

This free, festive, family event is organised by Tavistock Business Improvement District (BID), the not-for-profit organisation behind the Visit Tavistock brand.

Events get underway at 4pm and the lights will be switched on at 5.45pm by local school children, their key worker parents and a special guest.

The official switch on of the Christmas lights will form part of a full programme of entertainment taking place on-stage in Bedford Square. The programme will include family-friendly interactive fun with the renowned Magic Martin, performances from The Callington Gospel Choir and Ellie Brook McCall plus an appearance by the show stopping Living Snow Globe!

Tavistock BID is extremely grateful to the businesses who have come forward to offer sponsorship. The event itself is being partly sponsored by Hansford Bell and the installation of Christmas lights in St Eustachius Churchyard is supported by Kirby Estate Agents, Devon County Council, TJ & LJ’s Fish & Chips and The Original Pasty House.

BID Manager, Janna Sanders, said: ‘This Christmas Lights switch-on event is set to the best Tavistock has ever had and marks the start of a special festive season after the difficulties of Covid-19. This year we are asking you to celebrate the tremendous work that our key workers have done throughout the pandemic and have invited a number of them to join us alongside their children.

‘We are so excited to deliver this evening for local residents to enjoy and we encourage everyone to take full advantage of the shops and eateries across town that will be open for business helping you to have some festive fun. Many thanks to our sponsors, as their support enables us to do more for the businesses of town. We encourage you all to stay safe, to keep others safe, and hope that this will be a great event for our community.’

Chris Palmer of Hansford Bell said: ‘The festive season is such an important time for the town, and we are happy to support this local event that celebrates the start of Christmas in Tavistock and to contribute to this special occasion. We hope that everyone enjoys the evening and the Christmas lights.’

In addition to the entertainment on Bedford Square, many town centre shops will be open later and a Love Local Gift Market is taking place in Butcher’s Hall where you will find the finest traders and artisan makers and can enjoy carol singing at 6.30pm.

Janna added: ‘As we look forward to Dickensian, we are encouraging local families to take part in the Lantern Parade – either by making their own lanterns or attending free workshops on November 20 and 27. To book, go to www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/whats-on