Big Thatcham Fest Off kicks off town's celebrations

The Big Thatcham Fest Off has kicked off the town’s festivities with a number of artists performing to a packed out High Street.

Stalls also lined the Broadway offering food and drink from sweet treats to burgers and an array of small organisations and charities.

In among the stall holders was bereavement charity, Daisy's Dream, which is also the mayor’s charity of the year, who had stocked up with bags of toys and sweets for a bit of fundraising fun.

Daisy’s Dream community fundraiser Joanne Stewart said: “This is about raising awareness as there are still families that don’t know about us.

“We are here for all families and being here on the high street means that we can talk to people and they can ask about Daisy’s Dream.”

The organisation will also be at the Thatcham Christmas Light Switch On.

Music filled the Broadway all evening with artists from across the district showing off their talent, from The West Berkshire Rock Choir and Soul Sistas to Harmony Choir.

There was also an African drumming workshop by Rhythm Works.

Around 250 attendees stopped to watch a young West Berkshire Band, Beyond the Sons, take on some of the world’s most iconic rock songs covering artists like Shinedown, My Chemical Romance and Slash.

Many attendees stopped to have a chat and picture with the Mayor of Thatcham Jeff Brooks who walked the Broadway in his traditional red robes and mayoral chain.

Mr Brooks said: “I think it [Thatcham Festival] gives young people, well I hope it gives young people, a sense of community, a ‘this is Thatcham and this is where I live’ and that’s what it is all about.

“Outside of this, Thatcham is just a town where people live but events like this make it come alive. Young people come and see things like this and understand that they are part of a community.”

Mr Brooks said: “I have 30 events to go to, to see exhibitions, organisations, musical arts, there’s just something for everybody.

“I would encourage people to go onto our [Thatcham Town Council] Facebook page to see if there is something for them.”

Entertaining the crowds in between stalls was entertainer Bartolini Bartolomeo, of Enchanted Player Theatre Company.

“This is so nice and autumn-like,” he said, motioning to the festive surroundings. “This is my first gig in Thatcham and it is lovely."

“The kids are so nice,” he said as he continued to greet children walking the high street.

Members of both the Thatcham and Newbury Rotary Clubs were out. Thatcham Rotary will be back in the Broadway in December for its Santa Fun Run.