SHOPPERS braved the rain to enjoy a step back in time for Newton Abbot’s Victorian Evening. 

With 25 charity stalls in Market Square, entertainment from Elfic the Jester, an appearance by Squirrel Nutkins, the antics of a stilt-walking policeman and Santa in the Clock Tower, there was something for everyone.

Taking a £50 prize for best dressed stall was Newton Abbot Community Shed whose members have recently created a ‘meet and greet’ table top in Courtenay Street using the trunk of a felled alder tree as its base.

The evening was arranged by Newton Abbot Town Council. 

Events Coordinator Natalie Hicks said: ‘It was a great evening with lots of people enjoying themselves despite the weather.

‘Queen Victoria might be well known for the expression “We are not amused” but that definitely didn’t apply here.

‘I’m very grateful to everyone who helped, took a stall or just turned up for some festive cheer, it was a great atmosphere.

‘And of course, each stall raised money for its charity which is brilliant.

‘You don’t get anything like this with online shopping.’ 

The rest of the town’s Christmas calendar includes the Doggy Carol Service on Saturday, the Lantern Parade and late night shopping on Wednesday December 13 and the Mayor’s Christmas Carols with more late night shopping on Wednesday December 20, all subject to last-minute change depending on the weather conditions.

All the details are on the council website, www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk, where a QR code can be scanned to check out all social media updates and learn about forthcoming events.