The Giant Bandmaster, musicians and dancers lead procession to celebrate the arrival of the 46th Newbury Spring Festival
Pictures by PHIL CANNINGS
The Newbury Spring Festival got off to a fantastic start at the weekend with the Festival Parade on Saturday afternoon.
The Giant Bandmaster puppet made her way down a busy Northbrook Street greeting the crowds and meeting different musicians along her way, before finally arriving at the Market Square to enjoy a performance from Metronomes Steel Orchestra.
This was a joint project with the Corn Exchange, 101 Outdoor Arts and Greenham Trust. The whole community was invited to join in the procession, whether playing, dancing or spectating.
“We were delighted with the whole event, working with the Corn Exchange, Newbury and 101 Outdoor Arts we had a wonderful vibrant celebration to mark the beginning of two weeks of world-class music in Newbury,” said Newbury Spring Festival manager Ashley Morris.
“We’re grateful to all the musicians who took part, and the volunteers that helped make it possible, and of course to Greenham Trust whose generous support enabled the event.”
Head of 101 & Outdoor Arts Danielle Corbishley said : “The 101 Outdoor Arts team thoroughly enjoyed creating this event for Newbury Spring Festival and would like to say a huge thank you to the huge number of creative people from across Newbury involved in bringing it together including seven puppeteers, the two bunting wranglers, Leonie Adams on cello, Reuben Spencer Dance Company, Valentinos' Street Band, Jo Brydon on sax, Matteo Leone on drums, Good Vibes Music Academy, Nicole Thelma Grace on vocals, Sonia Brown Dance Company, The UTeam Ukulele Band, East Woodhay Silver Band, Metronomes Steel Orchestra, David Risley as The Green Man, the amazing volunteer team and Katherine Lewis.’
