ORGANISERS of Dartmouth's Christmas festival have promised this year's event will be 'bigger and better than ever before', despite of recent setbacks.

The Chronicle reported last week that the town council had refused to discount the cost of hiring the Market Square to Candlelit Dartmouth for its stalls, amid fears that 'dropping a price for them would lead to dropping a price for everyone'. Organisers were faced with paying £200 to hire the venue and potentially making a loss, or moving the much-loved Christmas market elsewhere.

But organiser Steve Thomas said: 'We're delighted to say we've had a phenomenal level of interest in the market, the entertainment and in the special events. This year's Candlelit Dartmouth is shaping up to be our best ever.

'With only six weeks to go, it's time people got out their lanterns and gave them a polish in preparation.'

Thousands are expected to flock to Candlelit Dartmouth on the evening of Friday, November 30, and throughout the following day.

The event – now in its sixth year – uses a number of the town's features as the backdrop for a traditional Christmas experience.

Highlights include carol singing with the Royal Britannia Naval College, Father Christmas's arrival by boat and a spectacular lantern procession.

New for this year is a series of creative workshops giving youngsters the chance to make their own presents and decorations.

The first workshop, involving more than 20 members of Dartmouth Academy's Years 5 and 6, took place on Monday, October 1, in the school's sculpture studio head of art Nicola Perrott, class teacher Bonnie Chivers with Mr Thomas offering a helping hand.

Mrs Perrott said: 'We are delighted to be working closely with Candlelit Dartmouth, which has grown into a very important community event over the last few years.

'We are encouraging as many children from the academy and the other schools in the area as possible to take part.'