Hungerford Extravaganza

Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza – Friday 13th December 5pm – 9pm

Every year on the second Friday of December, the 13th this year, the Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza heralds the arrival of Christmas in the town, as though by magic it is transformed into a wonderland of delights; the High Street and Bridge Street filled with Side-Shows, a Helter-Skelter, a Big Wheel, Steam Engines, Fair-Ground Organs and rides.

The day starts early with local dignitaries in Victorian garb braving the elements, and partaking of a large breakfast on the steps of the Town Hall supplied by the Three Swans Hotel. Pedestrian barriers go up; the lorries start to arrive with all the equipment, shops do their last minute titivation to their Victorian window displays.

At 5pm 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 others, not forgetting the music of the Victorian Organs, bring the evening to life. The bustling street scene has Punch and Judy shows, Stilt Walkers, Clowns, Jugglers and especially for the children, Father Christmas. Add the smells of roasting chestnuts and it completes the feeling of having gone back in time.

At 7.00pm the Grand Parade starts in Bridge Street and progresses 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 with the year’s Carnival Queen. The evening comes to an end as the fire-works and rockets hurtle into the air from behind The Three Swans Hotel, to provide a fitting finale at 9.00 pm.

This is followed by the prize giving for the best dressed shop windows, the best dressed shop assistants, and the best dressed stall holders.

This event is arranged by the Hungerford Chamber of Commerce and its Extravaganza Committee; it attracts more than 12,000 enthusiastic visitors and is all made possible by the generous sponsorship of the business community.

For more information, please call 01488 647025.