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Thatcham celebrates another record-breaking year of family fun




Thatcham Town Council celebrated a record attendance at its free flagship event on Sunday (June 30).

An estimated 12,000 people attended the town’s 24th Family Fun Day at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground — beating last year’s figure.

Thatcham Family Fun Day
Thatcham Family Fun Day

And the event saw an unprecedented number of visitors still enjoying themselves beyond closing time (4pm).

Returning favourites included a fairground, dog show, inflatable assault course and a Punch & Judy show.

And new entertainment for this year included the RPM bike trials display team, stunning crowds with stunts by some of the UK’s most experienced demonstration riders.

RPM Bike Display
RPM Bike Display
Ferris wheel at Thatcham Family Fun Day
Ferris wheel at Thatcham Family Fun Day
Max Barker, age nine, scaling the climbing wall
Max Barker, age nine, scaling the climbing wall

And the event hosted its first Pride Parade to conclude the day.

The Rainbow Zone, run by Newbury Pride, provided flag and hat making workshops for all attendees.

Speaking after the event, Mayor of Thatcham, Suzanne Adamantos, said: “Family Fun Day just gets bigger and better each year.

“The sun shone as we brought the whole community together with lots of activities and entertainment for everyone.

Mayor of Thatcham, Suzanne Adamantos
Mayor of Thatcham, Suzanne Adamantos

“The town council staff, councillors and volunteers worked really hard to ensure the day went smoothly, and it was wonderful to support so many thriving local businesses and charities.”

The mayor was also delighted to welcome her two chosen charities, Cruse Bereavement Support and Thatcham Youth, which provide bereavement care and support to young people respectively.

Thatcham Rugby Club under 11/12s doing a tag rugby demo
Thatcham Rugby Club under 11/12s doing a tag rugby demo
Thatcham Rugby Club under 11/12s doing a tag rugby demo
Thatcham Rugby Club under 11/12s doing a tag rugby demo

Various food and craft stalls lined the field, among them newcomer Delphic Brewing Company and the Vegan Street Market.

Thatcham Rotary Club also boasted more than 200 vehicles from far and wide at its classic vehicle show.

Zac and Gemma Eliott with Cooper the dog
Zac and Gemma Eliott with Cooper the dog
Graham Pratley and Ian Lyford from Newbury and District Hackspace
Graham Pratley and Ian Lyford from Newbury and District Hackspace
Children take part in the 100m fun run
Children take part in the 100m fun run
Children take part in the 100m fun run
Children take part in the 100m fun run

A red VW Golf won ‘Best In Show’, while The Princess in immaculate condition came second and a low loader with a Wimpy Dumper was among the highly commended.

Katie Woolgar with Barney, age 11 weeks, getting ready for the dog show
Katie Woolgar with Barney, age 11 weeks, getting ready for the dog show

Entrants were encouraged to make a donation and responded brilliantly.

The club also hosted a friendly ‘invasion’ of classic motorbikes and motortrikes, and the ice cream seller did a roaring trade as the day warmed up.

Its young retractors provided playful distractions with games such as ‘Hook A Bottle’ and ‘Chuck A Duck.’

The Lost Keys
The Lost Keys
The Lost Keys
The Lost Keys

Live music was performed by tribute band, The Lost Keys, and talented youngster, DJ Hypester.

The Library at the End of the World
The Library at the End of the World
Dinosaur at Thatcham Family Fun Day
Dinosaur at Thatcham Family Fun Day
Children petting the dinosaur at Thatcham Family Fun Day
Children petting the dinosaur at Thatcham Family Fun Day

The Library at the Edge of the World offered interactive play aimed at younger children to teach them about the importance of stories and libraries.

And who could forget the life-like dinosaur roaming the field, drawing crowds of curious young faces.



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