Thatcham gets ready to kick off festivities with Christmas Lights Switch-On

Thatcham town centre is warming up for Christmas with a weekend of festive activities.

This includes a Christmas Lights Switch-On, Christmas Market, Santa Fun Run and a Civic Carol Concert.

This year’s theme is Victorian Christmas and will mark the first time both the High Street and Broadway will be closed to traffic to make space for more attractions.

Festivities will begin on Friday, December 6, from 5pm, with a record number of stalls offering seasonal gifts, food and refreshments.

Entertainment will start at 5.30pm, building up to the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 7.15pm.

The night will feature live entertainment with carol singing from Kennet and Spurcroft schools and St Mary’s Church Choirs, dance with Sonia Brown and All Stars Theatre Academy, stilt walkers and a bubble-making fairy.

Completing the programme will be Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society with a sample from their festive production of Treasure Island, while DJ Stop Start will be playing music after the lights are switched on.

Mayor of Thatcham Suzanne Adamantos will be turning the lights on, supported by Santa Claus who will also be making a special appearance on his sleigh, courtesy of Newbury Lions.

“This year’s Christmas light switch-on will be bigger than ever,” she said.

“Plus, we have a brand-new Christmas light scheme, so we encourage everyone to come and be part of the celebration if you can.”

And the festivities continue with a Christmas Market taking over the Broadway from 10am on Saturday, December 7.

Entertainment will continue throughout the day, with performances taking place in front of the giant Christmas tree, sponsored by Xtrac.

On both days, visitors will be able to vote for their best Victorian themed window displays, sponsored by the Newbury Weekly News, as the town’s retailers join in the festive atmosphere.

On Sunday, December 8, the Rotary Club of Thatcham and District will be hosting its Santa Fun Run, open for all ages to enjoy.

And at 3pm, St Mary’s Church will hold the Thatcham Town Council Civic Carol Concert, a traditional way to conclude the weekend’s festivities.

Please visit https://shorturl.at/Lc2OC for further information.

This year’s festive programme is sponsored Newbury Building Society and Tomato Energy, based in Basingstoke.