Okehampton Gets Into the Christmas Spirit!

OKEHAMPTON'S ANNUAL Edwardian Evening on 6 December marks the start of the Christmas celebrations, as shoppers throng the town centre to enjoy the traditional sights, sounds and smells of the festive season.

Edwardian Evening also promises a feast of entertainment, with music from the Excelsior Silver Band, plus the Okehampton College Big Band Concert at the Charter Hall, with festive refreshments and a prize draw to add to the fun. With visitors and shopkeepers in period costume, illuminated Christmas trees, the sound of sleigh bells and the smell of roasting chestnuts it's sure to be an evening to remember!

More seasonal music is on offer at Okehampton Choral Society's annual Carol Concerts at Fairplace Church on 7 and 14 December, and the Excelsior Silver Band  will be holding their annual Christmas Concert at the Charter Hall on 10 December.  On Saturday 22 December Moor Harmony's Christmas Concert at St Mary's Church, Belstone, promises a good mix of carols and songs new and old. It's held early so that youngsters can come along, entry is free and there'll be free mulled wine and mince pies during the interval!

If the Edwardian evening isn't enough, Christmas shopaholics can get their fix at Hatherleigh's Ruby Country Market on Saturday 1 December. This year's event promises demonstrations and displays, amusements, workshops and live music, as well as the chance to shop till you drop for seasonal food and drink as well as gifts. And there's more late night shopping on offer at Chagford's Festive Late Night Shopping on Tuesday 11 December and at Holsworthy on Wednesday 12.

After all that shopping, how about a little relaxation? You can dance the night away to the Steve Tucker All Star Jazz Band at Hatherleigh Community Centre's 50s-themed Christmas Party on Saturday 1 December. On 15 December, the Okehampton Christmas Show at the Charter Hall promises an afternoon of fun and laughter for the whole family, and throughout December there's a very special treat for the children when Dartmoor Railway's Polar Express South will be whisking its lucky passengers off to the North Pole to meet Santa!

There's going to be a lot more happening in and around Okehampton over the festive season, so keep watching this space... and if you have any events or pictures to share, remember to let us know here at Okehampton People!