Christmas celebrations
Hundreds of revellers turn back the clock in Hungerford as Extravaganza
THE Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza returned on Friday, bringing in families from across West Berkshire and beyond.
The event was set against the backdrop of the town’s celebrated festive lights, widely acknowledged as the best in the region.
The High Street was filled with stalls and funfair rides, street food, entertainers, carol singers and a Rock Choir.
The lantern parade delighted young and old alike, with the Scottish Pipe Band leading the way. Many people had made their own festive lanterns in workshops in the preceding week.
The Town Hall was full of local crafts and gift stalls, and mince pies and mulled wine helped people get into the Christmas spirit.
The event, which had a hiatus last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is organised by the Hungerford Chamber of Commerce and chairwoman Karen Salmon said: “It was lovely to see so many members of the public dressed in Victorian costume.”
The Best Dressed Victorian member of the public competition was won by Michele and Adam Lomas from Avebury and Stephanie Wiltshire from Cerney Wick in the Cotswolds.
Best dressed shopkeeper was Sylvi Giuliani of The Borough Arms, the best dressed
charity stallholders were the Community of Hungerford Theatre Company and the best Christmas shop window was The Clockmaker.
Ms Salmon added: “We were really pleased how the event went and everyone who came had a great time.
“It was especially good to meet people who hadn’t been to Hungerford before who were delighted by our charming town.
“Sadly, the steam engines and some charity stalls were unavoidably missed owing to Covid-19, but we look forward to welcoming them back next year on Friday, December 9.
“We would like to thank
all our sponsors, including Greenham Trust, Hungerford Town Council and the Town & Manor of Hungerford and West Berkshire’s Welcome Back Fund.
“And everyone who made this year’s event special, including our hard-working chamber committee, Stephen Hill Funfairs, Kennet Radio, Hungerford Rotary and their Santa.”
It was lovely to see so many members of the public dressed in Victorian costume