NOT ONE BUT TWO FIREWORK DISPLAYS!

Remember remember the 5th of November … but also this year the 7th of November too!

Guido Fawkes really started something and because of what he did – or more to the point, failed to do – back in 1605 there are two great firework celebrations happening in and around Newbury this year.

CHIEVELEY – 5 NOVEMBER
On bonfire night itself, Thursday 5 November, Chieveley village hosts its traditional bonfire party – in fact it is believed to be the longest running village firework show in the UK. It has been held for an incredible 47 years and people come from miles around to enjoy the spectacle.

In 2015 the event will not only feature a bonfire and fireworks, but also two Guy competitions (where prizes are to be won for Best Traditional Guy and Best James Bond Character Guy), and a fabulous torchlight procession.

The event takes place at the Recreation Centre in Chieveley High Street. Gates open at 6.15pm – with entries for the Guy competitions being received 6.15– 6.30pm at the Village Hall – followed by judging at 6.45pm. Next comes the torchlight procession of the Guys through the village at 7pm and the lighting of the bonfire at 7.15pm, where the Guys will, of course, meet their fate! The fireworks themselves will begin at 7.45pm.

To keep out the November chill a selection of locally sourced food, including a BBQ and hot doughnuts, will be served, and refreshments will be available, including a licensed bar with home-made mulled wine and award-winning local beers.

All tickets are cash only, and available beforehand from the village stores in Chieveley, Hermitage and Cold Ash at the special price of £14 per family or £4.50 per person. Tickets at the gate on the night will be £19 per family or £5 per person. All proceeds will go to the local community.

Further details: www.mychieveley.co.uk/info/chieveley_fireworks

NEWBURY RACECOURSE – 7 NOVEMBER
Newbury Racecourse is the fantastic setting once again for the Lions Club Annual Charity Firework Spectacular which this year is on Saturday 7 November and promises to be the biggest, brightest and loudest yet.

The Lions Club mascot, Roary, will be there, making the most of the great entertainment and great food too. Gates open at 5.30pm, with the main event of the firework display starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are already on sale and you can make great savings by buying them before 12 noon on 7 November. Prices on the gate on the night are £5 for adults and children, but pre-bought ticket prices are: family ticket (two adults and two children over 5) £12; adult ticket £4; child ticket £3 (under 5s go free).

Tickets are available from the Lions Club stall in Newbury Market on Saturdays up to 31 October, and at Thatcham Market on Friday30 October.

Until noon on 7 November, tickets are also available from: The Corn Exchange in Newbury, Newbury Building Society (Newbury and Thatcham branches), Tesco Stores at Pinchington Lane, Northbrook Street, on A4 and Northfield Road, Thatcham, and at RBS in Market Place, Newbury.

Further details: www.newburyfireworks.org.uk

Newbury Michaelmas Fair

Newbury Michaelmas Fair

14–17 October 2015

The sun is a-rising to welcome the day.

Heigh-ho! Come to the fair!

So go the words of the old song, and fingers crossed that the weather will be set fair for the Newbury Michaelmas Fair this year, which takes place in Goldwell Park, Newbury RG14 1RS.

The centuries-old Michaelmas festival is named after ‘The Feast of St Michael the Archangel’ and was one of the four days in the year which marked the changing seasons. The tradition of Michaelmas celebrates the end of harvest.

In Newbury, this has evolved to become a traditional fair held in the autumn and the fun of Michaelmas Fair starts on Wednesday 14 October and doesn’t end until Saturday 17 October, so there are plenty of days on which to go and enjoy all that the event has to offer.

The fair is officially opened on 14 October at 6pm by the Mayor of Newbury. This is ‘half-price night’ so you can enjoy all the fun for only half as much as you would normally be paying.

Over the course of four day there is much to see and do, with over 20 fabulous fairground rides – including white-knuckle thrills on the Oribitor, where you spin 150 feet above the ground, to the ever-popular dodgems and, for those who like to take things at a more gentle pace, the pretty carousel.

Michaelmas was traditionally a time for feasting on goose, but in the 21st century you can feast on all sorts of tasty treats at the Newbury Michaelmas Fair while browsing over 50 stalls, including the chance to win prizes on lots of games. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a fair without a fortune teller.

On Friday 16 October at 9pm there will be much ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ when the fuse is lit for a spectacular firework display.

Finally, there is the last night to look forward to on Saturday 17 October before Newbury says goodbye to the Michaelmas Fair for another year.