Shipston celebrates 20 years of the Rotary Victorian Evening

This year’s Victorian Evening will be extra special as Shipston Rotary marks the event’s 20th anniversary.

Taking place this year on Friday 1st December, the Victorian Evening is one of the most important and well loved events in the town’s calendar. Officially heralding the start of Christmas in Shipston, the Victorian Evening is an event for all the family.

Festivities will begin with carol singing by local primary school children, followed by the switching on of the Rotary Tree of Life and town Christmas lights. The Tree of Life is a wonderful opportunity to remember lost loved ones, with each bulb sponsored in memory of someone missed, and proceeds going to charity.

To kick start the festive feeling, there will be over 40 stalls offering various festive treats and gifts. New for this year will be a German Market-style ‘Sweet Station’ selling traditional sweets, as well as specialist gift stalls, while lots of other favourites will also be returning. Many of the town’s shops will be open throughout the event so it’s the perfect opportunity to put a dent in your Christmas shopping list.

Attractions include music and entertainment, and of course Santa’s Grotto, with Father Christmas himself due to make an appearance, supported by his loyal elves. 

To keep you going through the evening, various stalls will be selling mulled wine and mince pies, while the Hog Roast will be back to keep hunger at bay. 

Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “Shipston’s Victorian Evening is always a special night. For many of us, it’s the official start of the festive season. Shipston Rotary does a fantastic job every year to organise a fun evening for everyone. 

“I would like to congratulate Shipston Rotary on reaching their 20-year anniversary and I hope as many people as possible will support this extra special Victorian Evening.”

Proceeds from the evening go to charity and other local good causes.