THERE was a fabulous turnout for the annual Victorian Market held in Launceston Town Square on Saturday, June 29, in aid of local charities and non-profit organisations.

The event was opened by the mayor Cllr Dave Gordon and mayoress Carole Gordon, who also judged the best dressed in the Victorian costume competition.

The winners for the stalls on the day were, Lion Graham Chester from Launceston Lions and Annette Baskerville-Smith from Launceston Scrap Store.

Local businesses also took part this year in a change of programme and Element Cutz Barbershop’s ‘chimney sweep’ was the winner along with Katie & Flora’s Victorian lady. The mayor and mayoress had a difficult job as there were so many fabulous costumes from ‘Queen Victoria’ herself at Launceston Florist to ‘wench Pauline’ at Earth Bistro and Deli.

So many businesses took part and the organisers expressed their thanks on the day to those who had turned out despite having a busy day.

Entertainment was provided by Launceston Town Training Band and McQueen’s Dance and Theatre CIC, ensuring the Victorian theme continued with beautiful voices and songs. Also the Victorian stilt walker and penny farthing rider along with a Victorian printing press.

The array of talent really added to a wonderful atmosphere and many visitors to the town on Saturday from as far afield as South Africa thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks were expressed to Launceston Rotary Club and Launceston Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the day, to Launceston Town Council for enabling the market to continue by organising the event and to the Town Hall and Tourist Information Centre staff for their support, as well as the team led by Steve Lankston who put up the gazebos for the event.

Cllr Helen Bailey said: “Teamwork is the way it all works in Launceston and we are excellent at this, a town that works together makes it happen. Let’s do it all again on June 27, 2020.”

The weather was very kind and stallholders had a very successful day, from games to cakes, tombolas to bric-a-brac. It was a very busy market and there were many enthusiastic volunteers busy raising funds.

Cllr Bailey added: “Thank you for supporting the event and to all the voluntary organisations who always need more help, consider giving up a little time to join them. Become a part of something special, we are so lucky to have so many wonderful people helping others in so many different ways in Launceston.”