Thatcham Festival of Arts & Leisure 2010

The 10th annual Thatcham Festival of Arts & Leisure was a huge success. Thousands of people attended over 70 events in 9 days, they enjoyed Fairtrade refreshments at most of the venues and through donations raised over £800 for the Thatcham Town Mayor’s charity, The Friends of the Charles Clore Unit at West Berkshire Community Hospital, and more money is coming in.

Cyril the Squirrel, Town Mayor, Dept. Mayor. Photo by Nick Young

Highlights of the Festival included the annual art & craft show at St Mary’s Church; the first pumpkin competition at Henley’s Allotments; record numbers of vehicles (230+) at the car show; tea dancing, line dancing and circle dancing; an opportunity to try handbell ringing; a session on astronomy; bird walks; concerts from Watership Cantabile, Benham Band, Cold Ash Brass and the Taliesin Players; Kennet Vale Guides winning the uniformed youth quiz; local author Katie Cleminson reading her books and drawing for families at Thatcham Library; KATS performing a hilarious radio play; and the grand finale From Stage and Screen had pupils from Francis Bailey, Cold Ash St Marks, Parson Down Junior, Spurcroft and Thatcham Park Schools accompanied by professional singers and musicians entertaining a packed audience at St Mary’s Church.

Thatcham Mayor, Cllr. Lee Dillon attended the majority of events. On behalf of Thatcham Town Council he would like to thank all the organisations that took part in this year’s Festival and he hopes that local residents and visitors enjoyed the activities as much as he did.