Kirsty the Artful Dodger stilt walker was popular with children aged from three to 93 when the festive season got off to a great start with the Victorian Evening.

Event organisers Shipston Rotary, assisted by Stour Valley Lions, report that ‘Father Christmas was a hit in his grotto, the primary school choir started the evening with some lovely singing, the Town Band played brilliantly, and the evening was rounded off beautifully by the Cotswold choir’s carols.’