Thatcham Christmas lights switch on is a blast
Community spirit was in abundance at this year’s Thatcham Lights Switch On.
Fake snow filled the sky and song filled the Broadway on Friday (December 2) as crowds turned out for the annual town council-run event.
Local artists took to the stage to display a variety of talents – with friends and family cheering them on from the crowd.
Among the entertainers were Whitelands Park School choir, street dancers from MF street dance, Read Theatre School, tap dancers from Dance with Sonia Brown, Ryan Upton and St Mary’s Choir with Kennet School Choir.
Young girls from Thatcham Tornadoes joined the Mayor of Thatcham Jeff Brooks, Father Christmas and mayoress Mandy Cole to press the button and illuminate the town.
Mr Brooks had invited the young footballers to join him on stage after meeting with them at a recent Thatcham Tornadoes tournament. He said the girls were charming and their enthusiasm to meet with him brought a tear to his eye.
A stilt walking ‘snow king’ waltzed up and down the Broadway, posing for photos surrounded by around 30 stalls consisting local business, charities and community groups.
The star of the show, Father Christmas, stopped by in his sleigh to meet with children, and some adults, with queues lining the street to say hello – courtesy of Newbury Lions.
Newbury Lions’ Margo Payne said: “We have got a lot of interested children here tonight and even some adults, big children.
“We came last year and had a wonderful time and we are having another wonderful time tonight. It is a delight to see so many people here really feeling the spirit of Christmas.”
A donkey, pony, four goats and two sheep also attended with Basil and Crew mobile farm to greet lots of very keen children.
Event runner Rhiannon Reynolds, who has been with the company for two years, said: “All of the animals that we have got love human contact so they are over the moon with this environment, they absolutely love it.
“It has been so brilliant.”
The town centre also played host to a traction engine and a town centre treasure hunt.
Characters from Dick Whittington, as well as Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee and dwarves from Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society were greeting passers by, posing for photos and even took to the stage for some evening entertainment.
KATS’ Mandy Cole, dressed as Aladdin, said: “We thought we would dress up, do some panto, and have photos done with people which they can share online.
“We’re going on stage for a Christmas song. It’s something that we enjoy and we just want people to join us.”
The event finished off with a performance by young West Berkshire rockers Beyond the Sons.
Mr Brooks said the event displayed the community’s “pride, sense of place and belonging”.
He added: “People seem to want to come out and just enjoy the occasion and have a good Christmas.
“There’s a lot of issues that we are worried about in the world and in the country and I think people are just trying to enjoy themselves, which is great.
“This is kicking off Christmas, which will be with us in no time.”
Thatcham Rotary Club were out selling glow sticks, Santa hats and sweets, as well as running a tombola. Members said the atmosphere was “lovely”.
Thames Valley Police and St John Ambulance were in attendance too.
St John Ambulance’s Paul Hopkins, who lives in Thatcham and attends all the community events, said the night was great.