THIS year's Edwardian Evening promises to be a memorable night full of Christmas cheer and good will.

People from across the area flock to Okehampton to enjoy the event tonight (Thursday), providing a traditional and festive way to kick off the Christmas season. The town's shops remain open for late night shopping until 9pm in a festive atmosphere, with Christmas carols and chestnut roasting setting the mood.

There will be entertainment throughout the town centre, with Duncan the street magician in the Arcade, barbershop singers in Fore Street, children's rides, a hog roast, roasting chestnuts, a barrel organ, face painting and much more.

Father Christmas will be taking time to visit the Museum of Dartmoor Life on Edwardian Evening from 6pm to 8.30pm. There is a charge of £2.50 per child and every child will receive a present from Santa. Entry to the museum is free to everyone accompanying a child, and Edwardian Evening is the last chance that visitors can go and see Okehampton Primary School's First World War exhibition.

The mayor's Christmas carol service with Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band takes place in Red Lion Yard at 7pm. The words for the seven carols sung at 7pm are available in the Okehampton Times Edwardian Evening supplement, which is available from Donald's Menswear.

Music will also ring out from the Charter Hall thanks to Okehampton College. The college's big band and choir will be performing at a Christmas fair organised by the college's parents, teachers and friends association. Along with the music there will be stalls, mulled wine and mince pies. The hall will be open from 5pm to 9pm, and visitors will also have the chance to hear about the hard work of the PTFA group.

The Ockment Centre is opening on Edwardian Evening for the first time between 6pm nd 9pm — to help Okehampton Rugby Club's under 14s team. The centre will be open with mulled wine and mince pies, cakes and a 'pre-loved toy stall' with 50% of the profits to the under 14s rugby tour.

Market Street and Mill Road car parks will be offering free parking from 4pm on Edwardian Evening.