As the holiday season approaches, Newbury is embracing the spirit of Christmas with open arms, offering a dazzling array of events and activities for both locals and visitors. Newbury BID, the not-for-profit organisation behind Visit Newbury, is excited to reveal the fantastic festive line-up that awaits in our charming town as they announce Newbury’s Christmas Lights Switch On Festival.

Visit Newbury invites you to mark your calendars for Saturday, November 18, 2023, as we kick off the Christmas season with the highly anticipated event. This one-day extravaganza promises to be a truly enchanting experience for families, couples, and solo adventurers.

The festivities commence with a heartwarming all-day Christmas market on Northbrook Street, featuring an array of delectable food, unique Christmas gifts, and more, whilst Bartholomew Street will play host to a delightful children’s fun fair. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Throughout the town centre, you’ll encounter a host of delightful surprises, including free festive workshops and meet-and-greet sessions with the beloved Princesses Anna and Elsa and their friend Olaf, and the chance to meet Santa Claus at his Grotto. Experience the charm of a Living Nativity Animal Farm and revel in the live music and performance hubs, creating an atmosphere of joy and wonder.

But that’s not all – be on the lookout for the enchanting Ghost Caribou, roaming the streets at dusk with their spectacular lantern-like illuminations, part mystical spirit, and part mesmerizing spectacle. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the bouncing Christmas elves; they’re sure to bring a smile to your face!

The day of festivities culminates in the eagerly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch On, scheduled for 6pm in the Market Place. Witness the town centre transform into a magical world, welcoming all to share in the joy and wonder of Christmas in Newbury.

Newbury BID encourages everyone to visit the official Visit Newbury website for more information on the full day’s festivities and to stay updated on this magical event.

Join us on Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10am until 6pm and unwrap the magic of Christmas in Newbury!

Warwick Heskins, Newbury BID Chair commented ‘We are so excited to welcome families and visitors to this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On Festival, this is an incredibly important event for the town, officially marking the start of Christmas in Newbury!’

To see the day’s full list of events, head to www.visitnewbury.org.uk/newbury-christmas-lights-switch-on

Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), the organisation behind Visit Newbury, has announced a thrilling free experience for families this October half term: the Ghost Town Shop Trail. 

Newbury, a town steeped in history, is home to many eerie tales. In the Market Place, the ghost of Thomas Barrie forever moans, punished for treason by having his ears removed. Nearby, The Catherine Wheel pub harbours a mischievous poltergeist who likes to pull hair and throw glasses.

From 25 to 28 October, some of Newbury’s most beloved shops around Bartholomew Street will embrace this spooky past, being transformed into hauntingly delightful destinations for children to trick or treat as they hunt for Halloween posters in shop windows.

The trail features 10 fantastic local independent businesses, including The Goan Caff, The Freakshow, The Dolphin, Willow & Blooms, Salon 46, Hethertons Bakery, La La Vintage, TaxAssist Accountants, The Ugly Duckling, and The Rufus Coffee House.

Visit Newbury recommends kicking off at the Kennet Centre, where you’ll be ready to take on the street for trick or treating, with each shop will offer chocolates and sweets to celebrate the spooky season. Costumes are encouraged!

The event will also offer a number of offers and prizes including Lego Star Wars sets – did you know Star Wars have filmed just up the road at Greenham Common? Other spine-chillingly good prizes up for grabs include Vue Cinema family vouchers and a Nandos family meal voucher, so be sure not to miss out!

This event aims to provide a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience for families seeking accessible and engaging activities for their children over the half-term break.

The Ghost Town Shop Trail offers a comfortable alternative for families looking to experience the joy of trick-or-treating without worrying about knocking on unfamiliar doors. In a year where safety is paramount, Visit Newbury says it’s keen to facilitate a festive Halloween event that combines the joys of community engagement with peace of mind.

Alison Drummond, Operations Manager at Newbury BID, added: “We can’t wait for the Ghost Town Shop Trail in October. With some fantastic local businesses involved, fun prizes and, of course, chocolate up for grabs, the four-day event promises to be great and provide a great showcase for our much loved Independents down in Bartholomew Street – otherwise unofficially known as the Southern Quarter!”

Visit Newbury’s Halloween events include the Ghost Town Shop Trail, a Halloween themed fright-night Psycho Path Pub Trail, and a Spooktakular Window Competition where town-centre businesses are encouraged to dress up their windows as part of the Halloween festivities.

Families wanting to get involved should stroll down Bartholomew Street and the surrounding areas between the 25 and 28 of October. The participating shops will be visibly marked, making it easy for families to plot their Halloween adventure.

To find out more about the free Ghost Town Shop Trial, sign up for your trail card and read the Terms & Conditions, head to the Visit Newbury website: https://visitnewbury.org.uk/  

Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), the organisation behind Visit Newbury, has unveiled the Psycho Path Pub Trail, a unique Halloween experience for adults only! On Friday 27 October, this immersive event will transform five central Newbury pubs into realms of fright and delight.

Newbury’s answer to the famous Fright Night is free to attend and includes some of the town’s most popular watering holes, including Slug & Lettuce, The Newbury, The Catherine Wheel, The Old Waggon & Horses, and The Lock Stock & Barrel.

Attendees can expect a thrilling and eerie experience as they are captivated by skilled actors portraying beloved characters such as Snow White, Belle, Jack and Sally, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter. These performers will immerse you in a world filled with dramatic flair, spine-tingling moments, and much more.

Each pub will be home to spooktakular scenes from infamous horror movies which will provide a fantastic different selfie opportunity in each participating venue, including the iconic Psycho shower scene by Alfred Hitchcock, a meticulously handcrafted electric chair reminiscent of The Green Mile, and a macabre assortment of lifelike human body parts the butcher Sweeny Todd would be proud of.

These haunting locations are the perfect backdrop for visitor selfies, so be sure to dress to impress in your finest Halloween attire!

For those looking for an alternative to Fright Nights, such as those at Thorpe Park, the Psycho Path Pub Trail is your local, cost-effective alternative for a Halloween night out. There will be free shots available for those who sign up early on the Visit Newbury website. (1 x free shot per participant per venue)

Pub trail participants should make their way to Newbury town centre on 27 October, where the event kicks off at 7pm. Participating venues will be marked, so you can plot your spooky route with ease.

Visit Newbury’s Halloween events include the Ghost Town Shop Trail, a Halloween themed fright-night Psycho Path Pub Trail, and a Spooktakular Window Competition where town-centre businesses are encouraged to dress up their windows as part of the Halloween festivities.

Alison Drummond, Operations Manager at Newbury BID, added: “Halloween seems to be getting bigger and better every year, and we want to live up to expectations with our latest Psycho Path Pub Trail which we first launched last year and was a huge success. Alongside the Ghost Town Shop Trail for the little ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Newbury this October. Dust off your costumes, gather your friends, and prepare for a night of screams and laughs at the Psycho Path Pub Trail!

“If you’re planning to host your own Halloween gathering, why not bring the festivities to the town centre instead? With a line-up of live performers, the Psycho Path Pub Trail is the perfect place to celebrate with friends and fellow Halloween enthusiasts.”

To find out more about the free Psycho Path Pub Trail and sign up for your free shots, head to the Visit Newbury website: https://visitnewbury.org.uk

The enchanting Festival of the Moon has concluded its three-week lunar extravaganza, leaving visitors spellbound with over 100 celestial-themed events that illuminated the town. Organised by Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), the not-for-profit organisation behind Visit Newbury, the Festival of the Moon has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from near and far.

Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon art installation provided the festival’s centrepiece, an awe-inspiring installation featuring a breathtakingly detailed six-meter-wide replica of the moon, displayed in the Corn Exchange auditorium to the backdrop of absorbing ambience arranged by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones.

Throughout the Festival of the Moon, participants had the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of captivating experiences and events that celebrated the enigmatic allure and scientific wonder of the moon.

Under the guidance of the Newbury Astronomical Society, attendees were treated to the awe-inspiring experience of moon gazing at Kennet Shopping Centre’s car park rooftop. Telescopes and binoculars were provided, allowing visitors to observe the moon in all its celestial glory.

Donnington Castle provided the perfect backdrop for a holistic experience as participants engaged in 108 Salutations and enjoyed a delectable Cacao festival amid the castle’s timeless ambiance. It was a fusion of mind, body, and lunar spirit.

The Parkway Shopping Centre became a hub of lunar knowledge, hosting a Moon School session that educated and inspired participants of all ages about our nearest celestial neighbour.

Dr Chris Pearson’s insightful talk on the “Life of an Atom” delved deep into the microscopic world of atoms, drawing intriguing connections between the microcosm and the macrocosm. It was an exploration of the fundamental building blocks of existence.

Themed shop and pub trails invited visitors to embark on delightful journeys down Newbury’s historic town centre, stopping by themed local retail and hospitality venues for the chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.

The Average Scientist delivered a series of enthralling talks that took attendees on a journey through the cosmos. These talks unravelled the mysteries of Earth’s celestial companion, the moon, and brought the wonders of space closer to home.

With over 100 events taking place over the three week period, other highlights have included an evening gin cruise along the Kennet & Avon canal, yoga and mindfulness sessions, talks on the history of the moon in Islamic culture, roller discos, live music, paddleboarding and much more.

“We created this festival as an immediate response to the cost of living crisis, and we are so delighted to have had such a fantastic response from the public, and for so many of Newbury’s businesses and artists for getting involved.” says Alison Drummond, Operations Manager at Newbury BID.

“We wanted to create something unique and one of a kind, providing a huge range of activities and events to allow as many people as possible to benefit from all of the moon-related excitement. The variety of different moon-themed events on the programme, and the fact we had over 100 events organised, perfectly demonstrates the spirit of partnership and community bonds here in Newbury”.

These remarkable events, among many others, transformed Newbury into a hub of lunar exploration, uniting the community in a celebration of science, culture, and wonder.

As the Festival of the Moon draws to a close, Newbury looks forward to its upcoming events. Visit Newbury invites you to join in the fun at the Halloween Spooktacular and Newbury’s Christmas Light Switch-On Launch. Keep an eye on www.visitnewbury.co.uk for the latest updates and exciting announcements.

The Festival of the Moon has been a shining example of how art, science, and community can come together to create a memorable and educational experience. Newbury BID extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, event organisers, and attendees who made this celestial celebration a resounding success.

31 August 2023 — Since its launch on 15 August, the Festival of the Moon has illuminated Newbury with an array of captivating events and activities that celebrate the moon’s enduring influence on art, culture, and science.

As the enchanting Festival of the Moon enters its final few days, the event, organised by Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), the not-for-profit organisation behind Visit Newbury, has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike, offering a celestial experience that will be cherished for years to come.

Some of the festival’s standout moments have included Dr Chris Pearson’s enlightening talk on the “Life of an Atom” held at Chequers Hotel, a Moon School experience at Parkway Shopping Centre complete with aliens, rocket building and more, and even a Moonlit Gin Cruise Boat Party along the Kennet & Avon canal.

Other memorable events have included a Moon Walk Roller Disco, a whimsical roller skating event that transformed the Kennet Shopping Centre into a night-time wonderland, and a lunar themed Artisan Market which showcased a cosmic array of moon-inspired crafts for all attendees.

The celebration continues until 3 September with an exciting line-up of events, including a Lego Rocket Challenge at West Berkshire Library and a sponsored Blue Moon charity walk in support of Swings & Smiles, a local charity which offers support for disabled children and their families in a unique and accessible environment.

For those seeking a deeper connection with the moon, two exclusive events are taking place at Newbury’s very own Donnington Castle – a Full Moon Cacao Ceremony and 108 Sun Salutations Full Moon challenge both unfolding with the castle as a stunning backdrop.

This week marks the final chance to visit Luke Jerram’s Museum of The Moon installation before the moon journeys to Canada as part of its global tour.

Free tickets are still available until 3 September, inviting all to immerse themselves in the captivating brilliance of this extraordinary artistic marvel.

Visit Newbury, the organisation behind Newbury BID, warmly invites you this summer to enjoy the Festival of the Moon, a 3-week festival with over 100 moon-related events.  We’re thrilled to bring you an array of over 100 unique events spread across August and September in our vibrant town centre, promising to make your visit a memorable one.

The centrepiece of our festivities is the globally renowned Museum of the Moon, created by artist Luke Jerram and brought to Newbury by Newbury Business Improvement District and the Corn Exchange. Experience the stunningly detailed seven-metre installation, featuring a lifelike display of the Moon’s surface captured through NASA images. The installation is complemented by a beautiful soundscape from BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones, enhancing this immersive journey into the lunar realm.

But the allure doesn’t stop with this awe-inspiring exhibit. The Festival of the Moon, coordinated by the BID as an opportunity for businesses to get onboard and benefit from the Museum installation, includes many moon-themed wellness sessions, compelling talks, interactive storytelling, and engaging films. With something new happening each day, we assure you there will always be an engaging event, making Newbury the ideal place for a day or two of exploration and fun for the whole family.

“We’re passionate about making Newbury a vibrant cultural hub and inviting people from every corner of the country, and even from abroad, to join us in celebrating the beauty and mystery of the Moon,” says Alison Drummond, Operations Manager, Newbury BID. “Our lively community and commitment to arts and culture shine through in these events, and we can’t wait to share them with you as part of the Festival of the Moon this summer!”

Entry to the Museum of the Moon is complimentary, with time slots available from Tuesday, August 15 to Sunday, September 3, including evening sessions for a night-time lunar experience. We recommend booking in advance through www.cornexchangenew.com to secure your place. For a full lineup and to discover what makes Newbury the perfect destination this summer, visit the Visit Newbury website at www.visitnewbury.org.