In brief

Winter carnival

Wokingham Winter Carnival will take place on Sunday 26th November. The town will be closed to traffic for the day so children can join in the fun in a totally safe environment. There’s a whole host of street entertainers, music, singing, dancing and the fun of the fair with loads of different rides, whether you’re young or old. Santa will be in his grotto from 11am to 4pm and for lunch there are stalls offering an amazing choice of food and drink. There will also be stalls selling gifts too, so why not get your Christmas shopping sorted?

Late-night shopping www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Crowthorne traders are holding a late-night shopping event on Friday 1st December from 5pm until 7.30pm.

There will be festive entertainment throughout the High Street, a market where you can make or buy crafts, play games, take part in a raffle and many more. You will also have the opportunity to visit Santa and his elves in his grotto!

The High Street will be closed to all traffic 4pm until 8pm for the safety of shoppers and stall holders. Organisers would like to encourage anyone who lives close by to walk if possible as there is limited parking at the event. However, if you do drive you are able to park at the Morgan Centre, Co-op (via Cambridge Road), New Road Car Park, Heath Hill Car Park, Napier Road Car park, and all the Broadmoor Bays.

2nd Dec: Winnersh community centre, RG41 5DU. 4pm to 7pm. Gift market at the Christmas Light Switch on event.

3rd Dec: 37th Santa Toy Run. From 1.30pm. The Reading Toy Run is an annual charity motorcycle ride attracting more than 2,000 participants. Toys are distributed by Barnardos.

3rd Dec: Woodley extravaganza 11am to 3pm. The Woodley Town Christmas Extravaganza is a seasonal event offering plenty of entertainment and fun activities for all ages.

3rd Dec: Moss End Christmas market 10am to 4pm. Stalls, food, games, activities and entertainment! The Jungle Reptiles and Fur Falconry Centre will be there, Christmas carols, a raffle in aid of Thames Hospice and Santa himself. www. mossendgardenvillage.co.uk

9th Dec: Arborfield’s Holly Jolly Jingle Fest 4pm to 7pm. Arborfield Green Community Centre, Sheerlands Road. Christmas market 11am to 3pm. Kids party 4pm to 7pm. £5 including drink and disco.

New coffee shop to open

A new artisanal café is opening in Arborfield Green from mid-November. Stables Speciality Coffee Co is an Australian inspired cafe situated on the corner of Biggs Lane, next to the Crest Nicholson suite. With seating for over 40 customers, every effort has been made to create a modern, but warm and welcoming atmosphere that will cater for all the local community and commuter needs. Their food will be sourced from local suppliers and the baristas are some of the best in Berkshire. For more information, visit www.stablesarborfield.co.uk

Christmas concert

Bring the family to Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra’s traditional Family Christmas Concert on Saturday 9th December - kids’ tickets are free! A much-enjoyed part of the festive season, the teatime concert is designed for families with favourite Christmassy music and carols for all to join in.

This is the 13th year that the orchestra has presented its Christmas Concert in the lovely setting of St John the Baptist Church, Crowthorne. Tickets are on sale now £10 for adults, those aged 18 & under free.

Tickets are available at https://www. tickettailor.com/events/crowthornesymphonyorchestra/1024155/r/mywok

For more information, visit www. crowthorneorchestra.com