Hungerford Chamber of Commerce Does it Again!
The Hungerford Christmas Extravaganza, organised by the Hungerford Chamber of Commerce, exceeded expectations on Friday evening as the town filled with visitors from near and far, and Rock Choir and Hungerford Town Band filled the air with carols and Christmas songs. The High Street was buzzing with festive stalls and rides, and the smells of roast chestnuts and hog roast. Sherlock Holmes and several locals in Victorian costume, characters Snowman, Polar Bear and Reindeer and a juggling stilt walker mingled with the crowds who were entertained by a parade and firework display. Adding to the atmosphere was Maggie, one of the oldest agricultural traction engines in the world, who was kindly steamed over from Kintbury for the occasion by the Hartwright family (see video below).
“Congratulations to Hungerford’s Chamber of Commerce and to all those that helped make this year’s Extravaganza so joyous,” says Hungerford Mayor Helen Simpson. “Months of planning coupled with fine weather ensured the evening was a huge success. It is so completely heartwarming to see the community support this much loved Hungerford tradition. A special mention to David Small who took on this mammoth task and Derek Loft who is always a safe pair of hands on our town parade events. This was my first Extravaganza Parade and I absolutely loved the atmosphere. Well done all!”
The parade was bigger than ever with some surprises following the traditional Reading Scottish Pipe Band. Along with Hungerford Churches Together, The Twinning Association, Community of Hungerford Theatre Company and Hungerford Scouts were a biker Santa (aka Dave Hunter), his Harley Crew and the Tuk Tuk Elves from Hungerford Service Centre, a forest of Hungerford Guides and Brownies Christmas Trees, Mike Kent and friends classic cars, ringmasters Jane Buckle and stilt walker John Caudrey, fire engines and Rock Choir. For the first time this year there were also beautiful handmade candle-lit lanterns carried by local people who had attended lantern workshops that the Chamber had organised in the weeks leading up to the event.
“Well done Hungerford Chamber of Commerce for organising another superb Extravaganza – I think it was one of the best yet,” remarked Emma Milne-White from Hungerford Bookshop. “As a business owner we always enjoy a busy evening; and it is rewarding to meet so many people who have travelled from outside the area – it makes you feel proud of Hungerford”.
The Emporium won Best Shop Window, Newbury Building Society won Best Dressed Shop Keepers and Tesco charity, who were collecting money to go towards the town’s Christmas lights, won best dressed people on a charity stall. All kindly judged by Hungerford Bellman Julian Tubb.
“I would like to thank everyone on our committee for all their hard work in organising this event” says David Small, Chair of Hungerford Chamber of Commerce. “Many thanks also to our sponsors for their donations, Steven Hill Fun Fairs, Hungerford Town Council and the Town and Manor of Hungerford, everyone who took part in the parade and those businesses who provided essential parking
“We are always grateful to have a stall at the Extravaganza to raise funds for the PSA,” says John O’Gaunt PSA Chair Sian Piper. Any local organisations who would like to book a stall next year’s event on Friday 13 December 2019 please email Derek Loft at treasurer@
Event Funding & Sponsorship
The event costs approximately £13,000 to organise and run, and this is only possible with the generous support of local companies and businesses:
Greenham Trust, Town and Manor of Hungerford, Hungerford Town Council, Chilton Farms Ltd, Kerridge Commercial Systems, Aqua Financial, Below Stairs of Hungerford, Newbury Building Society, David Wilson Homes, Ross Brooke Ltd, Fuel Cell Systems, Hypertec Ltd, Peter Stirland Ltd, Garden Art, Tomorrow’s Guides, David Small Solicitor, Amtecs, Inklings, Derek Loft Light Haulage, Steven Hill Funfairs, Snippits Barbers, The Tutti Pole, Perceptions Associates, Hungerford Rotary Club, Print Image, Eliane’s Café, Hungerford Bookshop, Mr Fry, Hungerford Land Ltd, The Tally Ho, Roger King Antiques, Parsons Bakery, Hungerford Jewellers, Penny Post, Stuart March Photography, Monty Accounting
If you would like to contribute, please make an online payment into the Extravaganza account at TSB Hungerford branch, sort code 30-94-46, account number 15806760.
5 Responses
Congratulations to Hungerford
Congratulations to the Committee and all those who worked so hard to make the Extravaganza such a revitalised and successful event! The development of the Parade with lanterns made for terrific community involvement. It was a joyous Hungerford event. Thank you.
Very disapointing! Might as well have just called it a fun fair. Nothing christmasy about it, rubbish food, and just kids activities. Wont bother with this again!
Hi Chloe – sorry you were disappointed. Can you give some examples of what more Christmassy things you were expecting and we’ll see if we can organise them for next year.
Thanks for another great Extravaganza! To see the lantern parade, Father Christmas on his motorbike and the Rock Choir dressed-up walking down Hungerford