Final preparations under way for the Victorian Evening

On Friday 7th December, the town centre will be transformed into a festive market for the annual Rotary Victorian Evening.

The event will begin at 5:30 with carols from Shipston Primary schoolchildren and music from Shipston Town Band. At approximately 6pm, the event will officially open, marked by the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights and Tree of Life.

The bulbs on the Rotary Tree of Life are sponsored in memory of lost loved ones. Funds raised go to support a children’s charity each year, reflecting new beginnings. This year, Shipston Rotary is supporting The Time Out Group South Warwickshire. This charity supports young people with complex disabilities, challenging behaviour and communication needs. They organise age-appropriate activities for four to eighteen year olds fortnightly. Many of the children who join stay with the charity for years, growing a strong social bond with their peers and staff alike. There is still time to sponsor a bulb – you can even do so at the Victorian Evening. Just visit the Rotary stand to fill in a form. The names of those remembered on the Tree of Life will be included in the Book of Remembrance.

As well as the usual Victorian Evening entertainment, a children’s carousel will delight the town’s youngest residents, while the mulled wine, mince pies and hog roast will no doubt appeal to the adults. Father Christmas is due to pop in so don’t miss your chance to let him know what’s on your Christmas wish list.