What is Christmas in Shipston on Stour without the Victorian Evening? For the past 24 years the Rotary Club has been organising the event to promote festive spirit and good will in the town. The Tree of Life, symbolic of our Christmas celebration, is at the heart of the event and is a means to remember loved ones. The Christmas market, School choirs, Town Band and High School Jazz Group have added spice and more local interest to this annual event.
The Victorian Evening is much loved by the town and has become an integral and essential part of Christmas in Shipston. It attracts in excess of 2,500 people and last year (2023) some £5000 was raised for charities and good causes. Of note is that £1000 was donated to Warwickshire Young Carers and £406 to the Childrens' Air Ambulance.
This year (2023) saw the Tree of Life lit and the Mayor switched on the Town Lights. Shipston Primary School provided a beautifully sung collection of carols accompanied by the Shipston Town Band. The Cotswold Choir sang throughout the rest of the event, providing a seasonal flair to the evening. A large number of people of all ages attended the Christmas Market, which hosted a stilt walker and the Human Fruit Machine and, of course, Santa paid us a visit.
We were delighted to help Santa in his trips around the Shipston estates. Unlike last year, the weather was cold but dry and many children were able to meet Santa at this exciting time of year.
We plan for the Victorian Evening to be back on 6th December 2024.
If you want to be involved with Rotary and contribute to our worthwhile causes and programmes, as well as providing much needed support, please contact:
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