Went
to the pantomime at the Corn Exchange last night so now, for me,
Christmas can officially begin!
If
you haven’t already got tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk, well I
can thoroughly recommend you do. This really is fabulous,
traditional entertainment for all ages – there were lots of
families with littlies (some of whom shouted out the most wonderful,
innocent and often hilarious comments) but plenty of grownups without
offspring were there too, having just as much fun. There is lots of
audience participation (and I recommend you join in because if you
don’t it ... you have been warned!) and a few surprises falling
from the heavens ... but you’ll have to go yourself to find out
what.
The
husband and I got parked up well before showtime to get a chance to
admire the Christmas lights in Northbrook Street, Market Place and
Parkway – all different, all pretty, all stylish. And there is
always something Christmassy and special about strolling the shops
after dark for a spot of late-night shopping ... and sneaking in the
odd mince pie (thank you Newbury Building Society!) and bubbly
refreshment (thank you John Lewis!).
Young
musicians in a steel band in Northbrook Street provided the
entertainment – and how brilliant they were, with a talent that
belied their years.
This
was, of course, the ideal opportunity for a second visit to Victoria
Park and the Christmas Market. My first visit had been in the
daytime, but approaching from the bridge alongside Camp Hopson at
night the stalls and fairground made a truly magical sight with
lights aglow. Although this is the first year Newbury has hosted such
a market, there was a nice mix of stalls – gift ideas, Christmas
decorations (there is always room for a new one on our tree) and a
tempting range of food and drink. Perhaps I shouldn’t have had that
mince pie ...
The
donkeys are very cute (and something different from other Christmas
Markets I’ve been to) and I had to smile at the sign about the
reindeers being sent home for being naughty!
As
we made our way towards the Corn Exchange and rounded the corner into
Market Place, a small group of carol singers were another treat that
added to the festive atmosphere. The foyer of the Corn Exchange was
busy with excited children and we enjoyed seeing the pantomime-themed
mural created by local schoolchildren. I lost the husband briefly in
the crush around Beansprout’s Bazaar where I wanted to bag myself
a Candice Cabbage Patch wand ... but them someone pointed out: ‘He’s
behind you!’ (Saw that one coming, didn’t you?)
On
that note I will sign off with my very best wishes for a joyful
Christmas. See you in the New Year!
Biddy
x
