Christmas Festival Stage Set to Start Festive Season

The countdown is on to Christmas in Henley with the large Christmas tree, sponsored by Invesco being installed yesterday in Market Place ready for the Christmas Festival on Friday (26 November).  The 30ft Nordmann fir tree was supplied by the Tree Barn at Christmas Common.

The Christmas Festival will officially open at 5pm by Henley Mayor, Councillor Sarah Miller and the Town Crier on the Festival stage in front of the Town Hall.  Entertainment will continue throughout the evening starting with duo Darren and Joe at 5.10pm with an upbeat set that includes, ABBA, Four Seasons, Steps, Dolly Parton. The Supremes, Bellamy Brothers, Frank Sinatra….. a full on sing along on followed by local singer/songwriter Etham at 6.00pm and at 6.30pm traditional carol singing by Henley Youth Choir.

At 7.00pm Henley Mayor will be joined by a representative from Invesco and the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card to switch on the lights of the large Christmas tree.  Afterwards everyone is invited to sing Christmas carols around the tree, accompanied by the Woodley Concert Band.

Entertainment continues on the Festival stage with an appearance by The Ugly Sisters from this year’s Cinderella panto at the Kenton Theatre at 7.15pm.

At 7.20pm, local band Hot Stuff (Matt Richardson, Bill Pollard, Darryl Grant and David Robinson) will perform and will be joined Henley Mayor Sarah Miller to sing her song she wrote last year Henley Christmas.

7.45pm will see the Rock Choir perform followed by local singer/songwriter Adam Isaac at 8.15pm to close the show.

Santa’s Grotto will be open from 4.00-8.00pm in the courtyard of Hotel du Vin.  Thanks to the support of local organisations including Invesco, Kench & Co and St Mary’s Preparatory School, Santa’s Grotto is free to all, with a goody bag for every child. Entertainment will include dance teacher Steph Maxwell with her Disco Duck. Asquith’s Teddy Bear Shop, Hobbs and The Vintage Look are again helping the Grotto looking festive.

Many of the retailers will be staying open late and there will be stalls around the town plus small fun fair rides and attractions in all areas including  Market Place, Bell Street, Duke Street and Hart Street.

Road closures from 15:00 and 23:00 to  all vehicular traffic:

• Hart Street
• Bell Street from its junction with New Street
• A4155 Reading Road to its junction with Greys Road
• Friday Street from Queen Street junction to A4155 Reading Road
• Market Place
• West Street from its junction with Kings Road to junction with exit of Greys Road