Thatcham's 'Warming up to Christmas' events begin this Friday

The celebrations will begin on Friday, December 3, at 5pm, as Thatcham lights up for its three-day Christmas celebration.

You can quite literally warm up to Christmas as a host of community and charity stalls will be out in force offering refreshments such as roasted chestnuts, hot food and drinks and festive gifts.

There should be something for everyone, as parents enjoy a seasonal snack, the little ones can enjoy a treasure hunt and steam engine display.

Take a wintery walk around The Broadway to see the 30 foot Christmas tree and the dressed up windows of local retailers, as they take part in the annual ‘The People's Window’ competition, in association with the Newbury Weekly News and Thatcham Town Council.

Judge your favourite Christmas window, and don’t forget to vote for them on the paper's website.

A stage of entertainment will fill The Broadway from 10am to 4pm on Saturday with performances from Cold Ash Brass Band, West Berkshire Rock Choir, Read Theatre School and many more.

There will be guaranteed snow as two snow cannons will create magical snowflakes and Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to switch on the lights.

On-stage performances will begin at 5.45pm with local street dancers MF Dance kicking off the fun. The Read Theatre School, Thatcham Park Primary School and KATS (Kennet Amateur Theatre Society) will also be putting on a show.

You’ll be able to rock around the Christmas tree as local talent takes to the stage. Local band The Doolallys will be playing festive pop and rock covers and local artist Sion Whiley will take to the stage to entertain, as well as raising awareness for the Kindness vs Cancer charity.

Don’t worry, there will of course be Christmas carols on the cards as St Mary’s Church Choir will be singing and getting audiences to join in with some popular carols in the lead up to the switch-on.

Mayor of Thatcham, John Boyd, said: “Thatcham has a vibrant community spirit and I am delighted that the event returns this year with the town council enhancing the weekend once again to run from the Friday evening lights switch-on through a full events programme on Saturday and supporting Rotary Santa Fun Run and the Memorial Foundation Festive Market and car boot sale on Sunday to really warm us up for Christmas!”

The festive frozen fun will continue on Sunday, December 5, along with Disney princesses Ana, Elsa and smiley snowman Olaf, who will join Mr Boyd for the town's Festive Family Fun Day.

The ‘Thatcham Festive Market’ and car boot sale will take place at Thatcham Memorial Hall and Playing Fields.

Don’t forget your big red costumes and running shoes because Sunday will also see the return of The Great Thatcham Santa Fun Run.

The run, which kicks off at 11am, will allow participants to raise money for a charity of their choice and enjoy a little bit of dress up fun on The Broadway.

Coronavirus measures have been put in place and the race will be staggered, with all runners assembled into groups in order to keep safety a top priority.

Rotarian Bob Champion said: “It’s exciting to have the event back, we believe we can do it in a way which is safe, we ask people to take precautions.

“It will be great to see a larger amount of Santas again.

“It creates a nice atmosphere, people enjoying themselves, dressed up. The community enjoy it and we raise money for charity.”

Visit the council's Facebook page or website for more details on the Warming up to Christmas events at www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk