Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza at Hungerford

2012 marks the 21st anniversary of this event and the Chamber of Commerce is planning to make the event even more special to recognise this.

The day starts early; local dignitaries in Victorian garb, brave the elements, and eat a large breakfast on the steps of the Town Hall. Then the pedestrian barriers go up, the big lorries start to arrive with all the equipment, shops carry out last minute titivations to their Victorian window displays and excitement mounts. By 5pm the town is alive with steam engines, organs, side stalls, street entertainment, the big wheel and other fairground rides. The official opening takes place with the cutting of the tape and the bands start up. The Scottish Pipe Band, the Hungerford Town Band and the Phoenix Band, not forgetting the music of the Victorian Organs, bring the evening to life.

Crowds can see the bustling street scene; Punch and Judy shows, stilt walkers, clowns, jugglers and for the children, Father Christmas. Add the smells of roasting chestnuts you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. The shops will be open with their staff in Victorian dress, some giving out mulled wine and mince pies. Many local charities will be there with a variety of stalls, tombolas and even hot soup.

At 7pm the Grand Parade starts at the North end of the town and comes up the High Street with the mighty steam engines, the skirl of the pipes, the triumphant blast of the brass bands, all the street performers and, as a bonus, Father Christmas along with the year's Carnival Queen. After this there follows the prize giving for the best dressed shop windows, the best dressed shop assistants, and the best dressed stall holders.

At 9pm, the evening's activities will be brought to a close by the firework finale and for those not wishing to head home, many pubs and restaurants are busy well into the night.

Free parking is available at Charnham Park and is clearly marked from all directions. You can then proceed on foot into the High Street.

The following roads will be closed for the duration of the event between 4.30pm and 10pm:

Everland Road for its entire length. Church Street between High Street and Croft Road, a diversion will be signed along Church Way.

For the duration of the parade (5.30pm to 7.30pm) the A338 High Street and Bridge Street will be closed and there is no diversion.

key

Prices

Free entry

Event details

Nearby

• Hotels and B&Bs
• Self-Catering Places
• Events

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• Pinocchio at Watermill Theatre

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