Thatcham’s ‘Warming up to Christmas’...
Town lights switch-on kicks off a weekend of festive family events
CELEBRATIONS will begin as Thatcham lights up for its three-day Christmas celebration at 5pm tomorrow (Friday).
You can warm up for Christmas as a host of community and charity stalls will be offering refreshments such as roast chestnuts, hot food and drinks and festive gifts. And the little ones can enjoy a treasure hunt and steam engine display.
Take a wintery walk around the Broadway to see the 30foot Christmas tree and the dressed-up windows of local retailers, as they take part in the annual ‘The People’s Window’ competition, in association with the Newbury Weekly News and Thatcham Town Council.
Judge your favourite Christmas window – and don’t forget to vote for them on the paper’s website.
A stage of entertainment will fill the Broadway from 10am to 4pm on Saturday with performances from Cold Ash Brass Band, West Berkshire Rock Choir, Read Theatre School and many more. Two snow cannons will create snowflakes and Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to switch on the lights.
On-stage performances will begin at 5.45pm with local street dancers MF Dance. The Read Theatre School, Thatcham Park Primary School and KATS (Kennet Amateur Theatre Society) will also be putting on a show.
Local band The Doolallys will be playing festive pop and rock covers and local artist Sion Whiley will entertain, as well as raising awareness for the Kindness vs Cancer charity.
There will also be Christmas carols on the cards with St Mary’s Church Choir in the lead up to the switch-on.
Mayor of Thatcham John Boyd said: “Thatcham has a vibrant community spirit and I am delighted that the event returns this year with the town council enhancing the weekend once again to run from the lights switchon through a full events programme on Saturday and supporting Rotary Santa Fun Run and the Memorial Foundation Festive Market and car boot sale on Sunday.”
The festive Frozen fun will continue on Sunday, December 5, along with Disney princesses Ana, Elsa and smiley snowman Olaf, who will join Mr Boyd for the town’s Festive Family Fun Day.
The ‘Thatcham Festive Market’ and car boot sale will take place at Thatcham Memorial Hall and Playing Fields.
Sunday will see the return of The Great Thatcham Santa Fun Run, which kicks off at 11am, with participants raising money for charity.
Rotarian Bob Champion said: “It will be great to see a larger amount of Santas again. It creates a nice atmosphere, people enjoying themselves.”
Visit the council’s Facebook page or website for more details on the Warming up to Christmas events at www. thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk