Thatcham enjoys 'Fun on the Broadway' for Turnfield Park's 100th birthday.

There was ‘Fun on the Broadway’ on Thursday for Turnfield Park's 100th birthday.

The free event explored the story of The Velveteen Rabbit and children were encouraged to take toys along for the parades.

There were many activities for children and families including arts and crafts, Punch and Judy, and even welly wanging.

Thatcham mayor John Boyd had a charity cake stall and raised £61.15 for his chosen charities Swings & Smiles and Thatcham Town Cricket Club.

He said: “It’s a really great community event and it’s wonderful to be happening in the heart of Thatcham.”

A total of 133 children took part in the town centre treasure hunt, visiting 12 businesses in the hunt for clues.

Thatcham Town Council events and civic officer Georgina Curtis-Read manned the treasure hunt stall with prizes from local and larger businesses like Paultons Park and Amazon.

She said: “The ethos of the event is fun at the end of the summer holidays and to drive footfall to the town. We try and support our town centre businesses as much as we can.”

The event was sponsored by retirement home provider McCarthy and Stone, which has a new development, William House, in The Moors. Sales consultant Amy Winter said: “We have done quite a few events and this is the biggest turnout that we have seen.

"It is really nice for us to be able to sponsor community events.

“For us, it is massive because we have got a big development – which is not always popular.”

Entertainers from the Enchanted Players Theatre Company (EPTC) graced the grounds with appearances from a tin soldier, stilt doll and The Velveteen Rabbit.

EPTC owner Victoria Grace Ruskin-Clements said: “The toy parade was a hit, as was the tin soldier that led them, then of course our stilt doll, not to forget our Old McDonald farmer running garden games.

“Then, also a part of my EPTC team, were the singing dolls. We’d created a set to perform for the older generation so we could encompass everyone’s interests.

“It meant we could bring magic to all the children by immersing ourselves in toys and the magic and happiness they bring.”

Princess Belle was also there to create crafty garlands with the children. Entertainer Cara Long said: “It is really fun. I love being back to see people smile and have a good day out. That is all people want to be doing.”

Mum Liz Fisher was keen to attend after a long period of being stuck indoors.

She said: “I am really chuffed that it’s starting to come back to normal.

“We come every year, I love this and look forward to it.”

Thatcham Kitchen Designs director Caroline Ware offered up her shop on the Broadway to allow kids to decorate biscuits for the day.

She said: “I have been here for 18 years. I like to be involved when I can, and help.”