HUNDREDS of people, estimated at 700, filled Crediton’s Town Square earlier this evening, Friday, December 22, when the talented Crediton Town Band, hosted its seventh annual Christmas Carols in the Square from 7pm to 8pm.

It is always a really fantastic festive occasion, with everyone enthusiastically singing along to the carols but this evening’s event was certainly the most well attended since the tradition began.

Everyone dressed up warmly and fortunately the weather was not too cold and it stayed dry and everyone enjoyed getting together.

Paul Evans led the singing and acted as MC with the carols and commentary signed by Lesley Rogers.

Band members looked festive in Santa hats and everyone admired the Christmas in Crediton committee big tree and lights around the Town Square.

Among the Christmas carols they played for people singing were: “Away in a Manger”, “In the Bleak Midwinter”, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”, “O Come all Ye Faithful”, “Once in Royal David’s City”, “Silent Night”, “We wish you a Merry Christmas” and others, and ending with “Jingle Bells”.

Programmes were available for a donation to Crediton Foodbank and Crediton Town Band, donations collected by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface and the Lions Club of Crediton, some of whom also acted as marshals.

Ernest Jackson and Co kindly printed the programmes.

The evening proved a really special festive family occasion and the public really enjoyed singing along.

It will be a big year for Crediton Town Band in 2024 when it celebrates its 40th anniversary since its reforming.