A GREAT Christmas tradition in Crediton is when Crediton Town Band hosts its annual "Carols in the Square" in Crediton Town Square.

A carol sheet and a pint to take part in the carol singing
A carol sheet and a pint to take part in the carol singing (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

This year the lovely community festive event was held on Monday, December 23 and hundreds of people went along to take part in the carol singing and to hear the town band play.

A view of the town band on the lorry and the crowd in front
A view of the town band on the lorry and the crowd in front (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

New this year was a flatbed lorry loaned by Crediton Milling Company which was used as a stage by the band.

Chris Richards, band chairman, was compere
Chris Richards, band chairman, was compere (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

It proved a welcome addition, the band more visible to the 500 to 600 people present.

Conductor was band musical director, Iorwerth Pugh
Conductor was band musical director, Iorwerth Pugh (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Unfortunately the damp weather that evening meant fewer attended than the 700 last year.

Crediton Town Band performing at Carols in the Square
Crediton Town Band performing at Carols in the Square (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Song sheets were available for a donation and Chris Richards, band chairman, acted as compere.

Diane and Keith Parsons and Carol Furze at Carols in the Square
Diane and Keith Parsons and Carol Furze at Carols in the Square (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The event was sign supported by Lesley Rogers and the conductor was band musical director, Iorwerth Pugh.

Hundreds of people filled Crediton Town Square for Carols in the Square
Hundreds of people filled Crediton Town Square for Carols in the Square (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The tradition was established by band member Arthur Arscott many years ago.

Members of the public who sang carols at the event
Members of the public who sang carols at the event (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The band is currently in its 40th anniversary year.

The event was sign supported by Lesley Rogers
The event was sign supported by Lesley Rogers (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)