Something for everyone at this year's Thatcham Festival

THE Thatcham Festival starts in less than a month’s time.

There will be 65 activities taking place over the two-week arts and leisure festival, which showcases the range of clubs and activities that take place in the town.

The mayor of Thatcham, Ellen Crumly, and deputy mayor Nathan Gregory aim to attend as many events as possible, with the mayor’s first stop being the Festival Craft Fair on The Broadway and in St Mary’s Church.

The festival launches on Saturday, October 8 and runs until Friday, October 21.

Other activities over the first weekend include an illustration workshop with Simon Jardine from Armadillo Images; the Thatcham Classic Car Show; Children’s dance classes with Kennet Valley Dance School and the allotments open day.

There is also a family cycle treasure hunt; bird and fungi walks; Thatcham Photographic Club exhibition; and performances from KATS theatre group and Three Rivers Community Choir.

The first week gives people the opportunity to have a go at a range of activites, from dancing and tai chi to finding out more about local history. 

If you have young children or are expecting a child, then you’ll enjoy the Kids Craft event, the Hartbeeps workshops and the ‘Come with your bump or your baby...’ session.

Heading into the second week there is a leisure fair on The Broadway; an art exhibition; concerts and the ever-popular Apple Day on Sunday, October 16.

The final performance, Festival Voices, will be held on Friday, October 21 at St Mary’s Church.

For more information visit www.thatchamfestival.info or pick up a programme from outlets across Thatcham and Newbury including: Picture It (the festival box office); Thatcham Town Council Offices; Thatcham Library and Newbury Library