After a year’s absence, excitement is growing for the return of Okehampton’s popular Edwardian Evening, hosted by Everything Okehampton on December 2.

This year’s festivities will begin at 5pm with shops opening late and live entertainment throughout the evening outside St James Chapel.

Entertainingly Different’s Rob Pudner will take the helm with support from Phil and Sam from Prosound Solutions. Seasonal music and even a little snow will begin the countdown to the switching on of the new Christmas lights which is set for 6pm.

This will be followed by Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band, then at 6.30pm Miss Mandy and Footsteps School of Dance invite you to join them for a fabulous festive boogie before Keri Hardy and aptly named ’Okehampton Christmas Choir’ make their debut performance with some Yuletide favourites before joining Mayor Cllr Bob Tolley and the Silver Band for the traditional ’Seven Carols at Seven’ where everyone is encouraged to raise their voices in a celebration of Christmas.

Christine Marsh, chairperson of Everything Okehampton said:’We hope the late night shopping extravaganza draws people back into town, there really does promise to be something for everyone and both locals and visitors can shop and enjoy what the town has to offer whilst soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.’

Mr Pudner will provide some of his antics and will be joined by circus performer Maz Manuva who promises to delight and enthrall young and old alike with her LED and fire performance, hula hooping and contact juggling.

There will be stalls and refreshments in the main street and Okehampton College PTFA will once again take the Charter Hall by storm with their stalls, Christmas hamper raffle and much anticipated chocolate tombola.

The Lions Club of Okehampton will be joined by close harmony trio The Hummingbirds, who will also be collecting sponsorship for individual lights on the Tree of Light in memory of people’s loved ones or celebration of a special event/occasion.

The Museum of Dartmoor Life will provide courtyard entertainment and visitors of all ages can enjoy meeting Mother Christmas and her elves as they make their way around the three fascinating floors.

A warm welcome awaits you and shopkeepers will dress up for the occasion offering mince pies, chocolates and mulled wine/sherry to old and new customers alike.