MAYOR’S WELCOME
This is a special time of year when our community comes together to celebrate the magic of Christmas. Whether you’re here with friends, family, or neighbours, we hope you feel the warmth and joy and have a wonderful time.
Tonight, we’re kicking off the festivities with the BIG Christmas Light Switch-On, and I know you’ll agree that it’s one of the highlights of Thatcham Town's year. But the fun doesn’t stop here! Over the next few days, we have a whole host of events lined up.
Tomorrow will see our Christmas Market take over The Broadway, where you’ll find gifts, delicious treats, and plenty of festive spirit.
Sunday I’d love for you all to join me for our Civic Carol Service at St Mary’s Church. There will be beautiful carols performed by local choirs and musicians and readings to really get us in the festive spirit. Or you could pop your running shoes on and join the annual Santa Fun Run organised by Rotary Club of Thatcham and District.
These events wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of so many people. I’d like to take a moment to thank all the volunteers, performers, stallholders, and organisers who have put their hearts into making this a truly magical celebration.
So, whether you’re here for the lights, the music, or just the festive atmosphere, we hope you enjoy every moment. Let’s make this a Christmas to remember in Thatcham!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Councillor
Suzanne Adamantos Mayor of Thatcham, 2024-25
MayorofThatcham(right)with DeputyMayorofThatchamCllr PetraPemberton
WHAT’S ON THE STAGE
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON
6:00 - 6:10pm Spurcroft Primary School Choir
6:10 - 6:25pm Kennet School Choir
6:25 - 6:35pm KATS with highlights from ‘Treasure Island’
6:35 - 6:50pm
Dance with Sonia Brown and Thatcham All Stars Theatre Company
6:50 - 7:00pm St Mary’s Church Choir
7:00 - 7:15pm Mayor of Thatcham, with Santa Countdown to the Light Switch - On
7:15 - 8:00pm DJ Stop+Start
With Snow Cannon, Competitions and Prizes
BEST DRESSED WINDOW COMPETITION
The following businesses are taking part in the coveted Best Dressed Window Competition. The Mayor will announce their winner & 2 runners-up just after the Christmas Lights Switch On, but you can vote for The People’s Window! in conjunction with the Newbury Weekly News and have your say on your favourite display.
How to vote
Scan the QR code below or, Visit www.newburytoday.co.uk to vote via their online poll.
Cut out & tick your favourite below & return to the Town Council Stand or post back to the Town Council Offices
Votes close on 13th December. The winner will be announced in the Newbury Weekly News on 19th December.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON - MAP
For a full list of Stallholders & their location please scan the QR code below;
COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING
Rudolph The Red Nosed
Reindeer
You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen, Comet, and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose and if you ever saw it you would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say:
“Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Then all the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, you’ll go down in history!
O little town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on Earth
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel
COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING
Good King Wenceslas
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Steven,
When the snow laid round about deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight gathering winter fuel.
Hither page and stand by me, if thou knowst it telling.
Yonder peasant who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire he lives a good league hence
Underneath a mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes’ fountain.
Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither.
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear them thither.
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude winds wild lament
And the bitter weather.
Sire the night is darker now and the wind grows stronger
Fails my heart I know not how I can go no longer.
Mark my footsteps good my page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the Winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.
In his master’s steps he trod
Whence the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed
Therefore Christian men be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.
10:30am
10:45am
11am
12pm
WHAT’S ON THE STAGE
SATURDAY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Whitelands Park School Ukulele Band
Whitelands Park School Choir
Cold Ash Brass
The Thatcham Christmas Carollers
Sion Whiley
Just Ballet
12:15pm
Sion Whiley
12:30pm Cold Ash Brass 1pm 1:45pm 2:20pm 2pm Downe House School Dance
Francis Baily School Choir
STALLHOLDERS & ATTRACTIONS - SATURDAY 7TH
Childrens Mini Fun Fair Rides
BD Bracelets and Crafts
Coffee and Crepes
Enchantedgiftsandco
It's a crafty business
MJD Craft
Treat Them Naturally
Hillside House Honey
Creative Cakes
Daisy and Nana Magical Creations
Suffusion
Handmade Candles
Linas
Scent from Helen
Izzy Haines Crafts
