Thatcham lights up for Christmas
Snow and the glow of Christmas lights filled the Thatcham sky on Friday night.
Residents of the town, and beyond, were treated to a night of entertainment, fun and festivities.
The town’s Christmas lights were switched on at 7pm by Newbury Pride, the mayor of Thatcham and members of his chosen charities – Sport in Mind and PALS West Berkshire.
Amongst a number of traders, charities and food stallholders were Mrs Christmas, a giant elf and a Christmas Tree Fairy.
Families were also treated to a visit from Santa Clause himself – courtesy of Newbury Lions.
Mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop said: “What an amazing start to the Christmas warm-up period.
“Nothing brings the crowds into the town centre quite like our community-focused Christmas lights.
“And this year the huge crowd were entertained by Dance Fusion, Whitelands School Choir, KATS, Mrs Christmas, West Berks Rock Choir, Sonia Brown’s All Stars Theatre Academy, and Jamie Read Musical Theatre Choir.”
He added: “For the big switch on, Jenny and I were joined on stage by members of Newbury Pride and by representatives of the Mayor’s charities Sport in Mind and PALS West Berks, who pushed the button to launch the fireworks and bathe Thatcham in light.
“A big thank you to all the performers, to the traders and charities who manned their stalls throughout the evening.
“To our gold sponsor Elysium Healthcare and silver sponsor Newbury Building Society, to the Newbury Lions’ Santa.
“To our comperes Andy and Dave and the whole town council team.
“And to everyone who attended and made it an evening to remember.”