Victorian Evening Attracts Record Crowds

Residents and visitors flocked to the Shipston Victorian Evening in their hundreds on the 6th December. The record attendance helped ensure the event was the most successful to date, with many charities raising important funds through their stalls on the night.

The event began with carol singing by Shipston Primary School pupils to get everyone in the festive mood. Conk the Clown then joined Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, to officially open the event and switch on the Christmas lights. With the town bathing in the glow of the Tree of Life, Father Christmas made his promised appearance and was followed through the town to his new grotto, where children queued to share their Christmas wishes.

Fire-eaters, stilt walkers, Shipston Town Band and a local Ukulele band, provided entertainment for all throughout the evening. Stalls offered everything from Christmas present ideas to food and drink – although stallholders clearly underestimated Shipston’s love of mulled wine, with every drop sold well before the evening had ended![nbsp]

Shipston’s independent retailers supported the event with many shops open late and most taking part in the annual ‘Best Dressed Window’ competition. This year’s winner was Rightons Butchers, with The Lavender Basket coming second and The Katherine House Hospice, third.

John Round, President of Shipston Rotary, said, “we are thrilled with how well the Victorian Evening went this year. I would like to thank all those who supported the event, particularly the entertainers and stallholders who helped ensure there was plenty for visitors to see and do on the night, and the Rotarians who made it all happen. We are delighted to have raised so much for Rotary charities and have heard positive reports from other local charities who were also able to raise funds through the event.”

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Photo by Charlotte Wright