UPDATE: Thatcham Festival returning this weekend with diverse lineup of arts, nature, music and family fun
UPDATE: Thatcham Festival is returning soon with more than 30 events taking place across the town.
The festival, running from Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 20, will celebrate local talent with art exhibitions, live music and craft fairs.
Events manager at Thatcham Town Council John Sackett said: “Now is the time to get your tickets and there are still spaces available on some of our incredible talks and walks offerings of the Festival.”
The popular Big Thatcham Fest-Off, now in its third year, will kick off on Saturday, October 12, transforming the High Street into a lively artisan market with gift stalls, street food and live music from 4.30pm to 9pm.
Thatcham High Street will be closed to traffic from 3pm to 10pm.
Local bands, including teen favourites Beyond the Sons, will perform on two stages located at both ends of the High Street.
For families, a classic car show is being held at the Memorial Playing Fields from 10am.
And, to highlight the importance of nature, talks on wildlife, honeybees and gardening are also planned throughout the festival.
Nature lovers can also join guided walks through Greenham and Crookham Commons or join the free Apple Day at the Nature Discovery Centre on October 13, with stalls, crafts, storytelling and Morris dancing from 11am.
On the same day, those interested in re-wilding and wildlife can visit Thatcham Town Council’s offices at 2.30pm to hear a talk from Ailsa Claybourne, an environmental educator.
Author Helen Saxton will also be speaking about her book about Amanda Knox and ‘The Trial of the Century’ on Monday, October 14.
Daniel Keel, a qualified pilot, journalist and wildlife expert, will be holding a special talk on swans at Thatcham Town Council’s offices on October 15 at 7.30pm.
A Leisure and Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, October 19, featuring handmade gifts plus community showcases at St Mary’s Church and Thatcham Broadway.
Music is a key highlight of Thatcham Festival, with Cold Ash Brass presenting a ‘stage and screen’ concert, supported by Whitelands Primary School Band.
Other musical events include Irish tunes by Bouzouki Bellows at the historic Old Bluecoat School, an all-female choir concert by Incantata Ladies Choir, and performances by the newly formed Just a Singalong group.
For hobbyists, there are workshops on ukulele playing, handbell ringing and retro tech at The Pavilion, where visitors can try retro computers, battle bots and more.
Astronomy enthusiasts can explore the night sky with Newbury Astronomical Society at the Nature Discovery Centre.
Most events are free or affordable, with easy booking options through Thatcham Town Council.
-Please visit https://thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/event/festival to book tickets to these events and more.