Thatcham Christmas Lights
Thatcham’s Christmas tree was put up in The Broadway on Monday (21st November) as the town prepares for its annual Christmas Lights celebrations. The tree which is sponsored by Oakley Green Conservatories will be decorated this week as the final part of the town’s Christmas lights and decorations.
The Christmas Lights celebration takes place in The Broadway on Friday 2nd December starting at 5.30pm with St Mary’s Church Choir singing carols in front of the Christmas Tree. By popular demand donkeys from the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary are making a return appearance.
The entertainment starts on stage where Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society will delight the crowds with a mini Christmas Panto and there will be performances from Kennet & Trinity Schools. Each year one of the town’s primary schools provides seasonal entertainment of their choice and this year pupils from Francis Baily School are taking to the stage.
Cold Ash Brass provides the music for the carol singing where the crowd is encouraged to take part. Community organisations will provide stalls offering food, games and gifts. Children aged 10 years and under can visit Father Christmas in his grotto located in The Old Mews in the High Street and receive a small gift. To entertain the children as they queue for the grotto a face painter will be provided as well as the opportunity to write a Christmas Wish List or colour a picture to give to Father Christmas himself.
West Berkshire Council has allowed free car parking in the Kingsland Centre car park from 1pm on Friday 2nd December and with many shops in the town opening late there will be additional time for some Christmas shopping.
All businesses in the town centre have been invited to take part in a window dressing competition organised by Thatcham Chamber of Commerce and Trade. Other competitions taking place include a Christmas Cracker Treasure Hunt which will run over the course of week commencing 28th November.
Entry forms can be collected from participating shops in the town centre. The grand finale to the evening is when the Town Mayor of Thatcham, Councillor Lee Dillon, flicks the switch to illuminate the town which is set to take place at 7.30pm.
