Henley Festival & Regatta extend partnership

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Henley Festival and Henley Royal Regatta are delighted to announce the continuation of their partnership after signing a new five-year agreement to stage the Festival on the iconic Regatta site.

Running from 2025 to 2030, the agreement, granted by Henley Royal Regatta, will witness the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival assuming control of the stunning riverside site during the week immediately following the conclusion of Henley Royal Regatta.

The two internationally renowned events are set to make a return at the onset of July, drawing in thousands of visitors to the breath-taking banks of the riverside in Henley-on-Thames.

Founded as a charity more than 40 years ago, Henley Festival’s mission – through its charitable programme RISE – is to champion the next generation of emerging talent. This year, Henley Festival Presented by Westcoast will be held from Wednesday 10th July to Sunday 14th July, featuring a world-class music programme spanning pop, world, classical, folk, and jazz genres, complemented by comedy, art, galleries, sculpture installations, dining, dancing, and jaw-dropping fireworks. The five enchanting summer nights will play host to headliners including Nicole Scherzinger, Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics Songbook, Trevor Nelson, Gladys Knight, Rylan, Nigel Kennedy, Sam Ryder, and more. For all ticket information, visit the festival website: Henley Festival | 10th-14th July 2024 (henley-festival.co.uk)

Sue Laing, Chair of Henley Festival, said: “We are thrilled to have a new five-year agreement with Henley Royal Regatta. It marks our commitment to the Festival’s future, as well as to the growth of our charitable programme RISE – which is at the heart of everything we do. We couldn’t be prouder of our home in Henley, and are very excited to welcome festival-goers to our stunning riverside in July – to see headline acts on our unique Floating Stage, including Nicole Scherzinger and Gladys Knight with her final ever show, and to be part of something truly amazing.”

Henley Royal Regatta, founded in 1839, is the best-known rowing Regatta in the world: celebrated for its match-racing, it is a true highlight of the Summer sporting calendar with over 400 races of an international standard, featuring Olympians and emerging stars from around the world. The 2024 Regatta will take place from Tuesday 2 July until Sunday 7 July, with tickets and further information available on Home – Henley Royal Regatta (hrr.co.uk)

Sir Steve Redgrave, said: “As Chair of Henley Royal Regatta we are so excited to have at least another five years linking the Regatta and the Festival together. We all know that the local community and further afield love both events; Henley Royal Regatta being the largest rowing event in the world, a highlight of the summer season with thousands of visitors travelling to Henley-on-Thames to see world-class racing and the Festival showcasing some amazing acts and entertainment bringing the local community together in a fantastic celebration.”

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Jump into the GAP

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Have you got your GAP Festival tickets yet? Ten day extravaganza kicks off on June 7th

The biennial cultural GAP Festival in Goring and Streatley will welcome festival goers to its incredible programme of over 50 exciting events in June.

Some events still have a few last tickets remaining. So if you haven’t got yours yet, or you are looking for a last minute opportunity to try something new, visit The Gap Festival to book yourself in and join this cultural extravaganza! As a registered charity, every ticket purchased goes back into bringing culture to the community. How about…

World-class mandolin player and wit Simon Mayor and Friends in a relaxed evening of magical music and humorous anecdotes on Friday 7th June.

The spectacular red carpet premiere of the shortlisted Children’s Film Festival short films, alongside a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) on Sunday 9th June.

For crime drama and true crime lovers, An Audience with Author Helen Saxton, with actors will re-enact key events and discuss the controversial story of Amanda Knox in the murder of Meredith Kercher on Monday 10th June.

Outdoor family theatre in an idyllic setting on the banks of the Thames, with a performance of The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle on Thursday 13th June.

A one hour family show of songs about science, maths and the wonders of the world around us with Helen Arney: A Voice of an Angle – as seen on BBC2, Channel 4 and Discovery – on Friday 14th June.

Step back in time, put on some 40s/50s glamour (or not!), sit back and tap your feet to the doo-wop harmonies of the Ding Dong Daddios on Saturday 15th June.

Enjoy a Glyndebourne-style opera experience, with GAP Opera: The Marriage of Figaro. Picnics, pimms, fizz and top class opera in three performances Friday 14th – Sunday 16th June.

Alongside the amazing variety of ticketed events, there are also a host of free activities and performances taking place, no ticket required – just drop in.

On Friday 7th June, pre-schoolers can bring their parents to join a morning of games, free play and interactive story with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.

Join the cosmic fun of Saturday 8th June and experience all that Space Day has to offer, including blasting off a water rocket, space crafting, scale-model solar system treasure hunt and the chance to track the International Space Station live with local satellite company OrbAstro.

Visit Goring’s Rectory Garden on Sunday 9th June to join the Festival’s contribution to the national Great Big Green Week – The Great Green Food Day. Head down and discover creative ways to let eating and food play a vital part in helping tackle climate change, reduce waste and protect nature. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music, ask the experts question time, stalls, children’s activities and more, or pick up lunch from the collection of food and drink stalls and enjoy all the day has to offer.

Saturday 15th June hosts the return of the popular Festival Market Day. Enjoy browsing crafts, arts and skills from the local community, alongside face painting, refreshments and live music.

Meet and Greet the Owls at Withymead Nature Reserve on Saturday 15th June and learn all about owls, how they hunt, owl conservation and have a go at pellet dissection.

For art enthusiasts, there is a celebration of community art with a weekend long Art Exhibition from Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th June.

A chance to have a go at bell ringing with the Goring and Streatley ringers, followed by a lunchtime Festival Picnic Concert with Goring and Streatley concert band on the final day of the Festival – Sunday 16th June.

Plus a host of ‘fringe’ music events, popping up in local venues where you can sit back and soak up the Festival atmosphere with a drink in hand.

Find out all you need to know to make the most of this year’s Festival during the ten-day period and book your last minute tickets by visiting https://www.thegapfestival.org/

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Top 5 Solar Installers in Ascot

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Every second, the sun generates 173,000 terawatts ((trillions of watts) of solar energy – more than 10,000 times the Earth’s total energy consumption*. Without solar panels on your roof, all of this free energy from the sun goes to waste.

With solar costs at an all-time low, now is a great time to take advantage of this free energy supply at home. Are you keen to save on your monthly energy bills and become energy independent? Book one of the top MCS-certified solar installers in Ascot / Egham, UK:

1. Soly

Soly is a leading solar installer, rated Excellent on Trustpilot. With over 10 years of experience, Soly offers free virtual consultations and cost-effective solar solutions that can help you save up to £1,300 per year on your energy bills. 

Take advantage of industry-leading warranties including 30-year solar panel, 25-year performance and 10-year workmanship warranties, with fantastic aftercare service beyond installation. Soly is MCS and HIES accredited, Enphase certified, and a Which? Trusted Trader.

If you buy before 30th April, Soly is offering £1,000 off. Book a free consultation today at Soly Energy and quote ‘Ascot’ to claim this discount.

2. Your Energy Your Way

Your Energy Your Way is a female-led solar installer based in Surrey. Established in 2018, the company designs and installs whole-house renewable energy solutions across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, West London and surrounding counties. They provide everything from solar panels and battery storage systems to heat pumps.

Your Energy Your Way offers a 25-year warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and a five-year warranty on inverters. The installation comes with a workmanship guarantee for two years. The company is MCS-certified. 

3. SogoSolar

Established in 2010, SogoSolar designs, supplies and installs solar panels, battery storage systems and EV chargers. Their focus is on smaller installations for homes and businesses across South East England. 

SogoSolar provides up to a 40-year product and performance warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and a two-year workmanship guarantee on installation. As a member of the Real Assurance Consumer Protection Scheme (RECC) customers are also protected by an insurance-backed warranty scheme. The company is MCS-certified. 

4. Sphere Energy Solutions

Sphere Energy Solutions is a family-run solar business based in Bagshot, Surrey. Established in 2010, the company supplies and installs solar panels, home battery storage and EV chargers in Ascot, Egham and other areas in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Greater London.

Sphere Energy Solutions offers a 25-year product and 30-year linear power warranty on solar panels and a 10-year warranty on batteries. The installation comes with a five-year workmanship guarantee. The company is MCS-certified. 

5. Solar Dynamics 

Solar Dynamics designs, installs and maintains solar energy systems in Surrey, including Ascot and Egham. Established in 2001, the company covers the South East of England, including Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. 

Solar Dynamics offers a 25-year warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and a standard two-year workmanship guarantee on installation. The company is MCS-certified and offers solar financing solutions. 

Finding the Best Solar Installers in Ascot / Egham

Finding local solar installers you can trust in Ascot / Egham doesn’t need to be stressful. Plenty of certified contractors are available to provide valuable advice on what’s best for your home, along with a fast, free quote. While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost, with many homeowners making their money within eight years. 

The top solar installers are MCS-certified and offer high-quality products and long warranties for peace of mind. As your solar panels are a long-term investment (lasting up to 30 years), always look for companies that offer great after-care service beyond the installation period. 

Sources: https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2444/10-interesting-things-about-energy

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Top 5 Solar Installers in Windsor

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Every second, the sun generates 173,000 terawatts of solar energy – over 10,000 times what the Earth consumes globally*. Without installing solar panels on your roof, you’re unable to make use of all of this endless free energy from the sun.

With solar costs at an all-time low, now is a great time to take advantage of this free energy supply for your home. Are you keen to save on your monthly energy bills and become energy independent? Browse the top MCS-certified solar installers in Windsor, UK:

1. Soly

Soly is a leading solar installer, rated Excellent on Trustpilot. With over 10 years of experience, Soly offers free virtual consultations and cost-effective solar solutions that can help you save up to £1,300 per year on your energy bills. 

Take advantage of industry-leading warranties including 30-year solar panel, 25-year performance and 10-year workmanship warranties, with fantastic aftercare service beyond installation. Soly is MCS and HIES accredited, Enphase certified, and a Which? Trusted Trader.

If you buy before 30th April, Soly is offering £1,000 off. Book a free consultation today at Soly Energy and quote ‘Windsor’ to claim this discount.

2. Windsor Solar

Windsor Solar is a local family-run solar business based in Windsor, Berkshire. With over 10 years of experience, the company designs and installs solar panels and battery storage systems to reduce your reliance on the national grid. 

Windsor Solar offers manufacturer-dependent warranties (often up to 25 years) on solar panels and the Tesla Powerwall battery storage system with a 10-year warranty. The company is a NAPIT-approved and MCS-certified contractor. 

3. Solar Service Solutions

Solar Service Solutions services Windsor and surrounding areas. The company designs, supplies and installs solar panels, battery storage systems, solar thermal systems and more to help you save on your monthly bills and become energy-independent. 

Solar Service Solutions offers a 30-year warranty on solar panels and a five-year workmanship guarantee on installation. The company is MCS-certified and registered with the NICEIC.

4. South Green Energy

Based in Slough, South Green Energy is a local solar contractor that designs and installs solar panels, battery storage systems and EV chargers in Windsor and surrounding areas. 

South Green Energy offers a 25-year manufacturer warranty on solar panels, a manufacturer-dependent warranty on batteries and inverters and a standard workmanship guarantee on the installation. The company is MCS-certified and a NICEIC-approved contractor. 

5. Evergen Solar

Evergen Solar is a local solar installer with a head office in Maidenhead. With 12 years of experience, the company designs and installs solar panels, home battery systems and EV chargers in Windsor and nearby areas. 

Evergen Solar offers a 12-year performance and 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries and inverters and a two-year workmanship guarantee on the installation. The company is MCS-certified. 

Finding the Best Solar Installers in Windsor

Finding local solar installers you can trust in Windsor doesn’t need to be a burden. Plenty of certified contractors are available to provide expert advice on what’s best for your home, along with a fast, no-obligation quote. While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost, with the typical payback period being eight years or fewer. 

The top solar installers in Windsor are MCS-certified and offer high-quality products and long warranties for peace of mind. As your solar panels are a long-term investment (lasting up to 30 years), always look for companies that offer great after-care service beyond the installation period. 

Sources:  https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2444/10-interesting-things-about-energy

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Support Thames Valley Air Ambulance

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Thames Valley Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years and you’re invited to join the party and help their life saving work

In 1999, Thames Valley Air Ambulance first took to the skies to treat patients in critical need. Now, a quarter of a century and nearly 35,000 call outs later they are celebrating this milestone with a fun-filled family day for the whole community on June 22nd at Penn Estate.

Amanda McLean, Chief Executive Officer at Thames Valley Air Ambulance said: “Both the care we deliver at the scene and the support we offer long afterwards are funded solely by our community. It’s your generous donations that have allowed us to be there for these 35,000 people in their time of need.”

Their ‘Big Birthday Bash’ will include a variety of fun activities for both kids and adults to enjoy, from circus shows and workshops to special demonstrations from their crew plus plenty of delicious food and drinks from local vendors.

Tickets start from £4 and all proceeds go to help Thames Valley Air Ambulance continue to be there for those in most need across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. More at Big Birthday Bash – Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Did you know:
• Last year, we were called out 3,293 times to help people in need of urgent critical care.
• We are called out on average 9 times a day.
• The flight time between our base at RAF Benson and anywhere in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, or Oxfordshire is just 15 minutes.
• To find out more about the work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and donate visit Thames Valley Air Ambulance

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Dark drama at Theatre Royal Windsor

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Trial by media examined in Accolade starring Ayden Callaghan and Honeysuckle Weeks

Theatre Royal Windsor is delighted to be staging two plays directed by award-winning director Sean Mathias this year starting with Accolade this month.

Ayden Callaghan and Honeysuckle Weeks are to lead the cast in Emlyn Williams’ gripping drama Accolade, the first play in this year’s Sean Mathias season.

Ayden Callaghan is best known for his roles as Joe Roscoe (Hollyoaks), Miles De Souza (Emmerdale) and as Frank Farmer in last year’s UK tour of The Bodyguard The Musical.

Honeysuckle Weeks became a popular face on television playing Sam Stewart (Foyle’s War). She has just finished touring the UK in the role of Cora in Calendar Girls the Musical.

In Accolade, Ayden will play the protagonist Will Trenting, with Honeysuckle, his socially ambitious wife, Rona. Whilst William’s dark and sinister play originally stems back to 1950, the underlying tensions, couped with the fragility of one’s personal reputation, make this play as relevant today as when it was first written.

Completing the cast are Jamie Hogarth (Albert), David Phelan (Thane Lampeter), Sarah Crowe (Marian Tillyard), Louis Holand (Ian), Gavin Fowler (Harold), Sarah Twomey (Phyllis), Nardiner Samra (Daker) and Kayleigh Cooper (Parlour Maid).

Accolade opens at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Friday, 31st May and will run until Saturday, 15th June before embarking on a tour within the UK over the summer.

Accolade will be followed this autumn with Felicity Kendal in the title role of Eduardo de Filippo’s Filumena, the second play to be directed by Sean Mathias this season.

Director Sean Mathias said of staging the two plays: “These two plays are not what they first appear to be. Accolade is atypical of Emlyn Williams, examining success as approved by the establishment, it quickly deconstructs that success and then looks to smash it. The central character, Will Trenting, was written by the author for himself to play in the world premiere – a character lionized by an order he despised, Will contains shades and shadows of the Welshman himself, who refused to fit into any boxes. Williams had a deep fascination with the psychology of the criminal or alternative mind, and Accolade is a riveting theatrical reflection of his interests.”

To book visit: Home – Theatre Royal Windsor

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Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Peacock

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Kiri Pritchard-McLean is delighted to announce the UK Tour of her brand new show, Peacock.

Kiri has had a busy few years. As well as hosting Live at the Apollo, fronting the Radio 4 panel show Best Medicine and starting a comedy school, she’s become a foster parent. Didn’t know that about her? Well, until now she hasn’t been able to talk about it on stage, she hasn’t even told the kids in her care that she’s a comedian oh and she uses a different name – she’s the Bruce Wayne of comedy but without the mansions.

However, this year something changed and after a couple of the eggiest gigs of her career in boardrooms to social workers a show about becoming a foster carer has been signed off! So, come and join “Louise” as she lifts the lid on social workers, first aid training and what not to do when a vicar searches for you on YouTube.

“It’s fantastic to see our foster carer, Kiri, positively promoting fostering during her UK tour. It will really help increase awareness of foster care, and challenge false perceptions around what it takes to be a foster carer.

We hope that through Kiri candidly sharing her fostering journey, people will recognise skills and qualities in themselves and consider putting in an enquiry to foster.”

Alastair Cope, Head of Foster Wales.

Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean is a multi-award winning comedian, satirist and writer. Her recent credits include hosting Live at the Apollo and appearances on Have I Got News For You, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order. She has a weekly show on BBC Radio Wales, and has hosted Newsjack, Loose Ends and The News Quiz and her Radio 4 panel show, Best Medicine, has recently been commissioned for a second series.

Find out more and purchase tickets: https://www.kiripritchardmclean.co.uk/

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Old Library Campaign Fundraising Raffle

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The Corn Exchange Newbury launches fundraising raffle to win sold out Al Murray tickets

The Corn Exchange Newbury has launched their latest fundraising raffle to give one lucky winner the chance to get two, central, stalls tickets for their sold out Pubtastic Fundraising Event with Al Murray.

Raffle tickets are priced at £5 each and all funds raised will go towards the Old Library Campaign, to redevelop the historic building on Cheap Street in Newbury and make it into the new permanent home for their creative participation work.

The raffle will close at 12 noon on Thursday 23rd May, with the winner being drawn and contacted the same day.

Raffle tickets can be purchased from Raffle for Al Murray tickets or by calling the Box Office on 01635 522733.

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Make a date for Twelfth Night

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Thames Players’ fast-paced Shakespearean romp is a joy from the first chord to the last kiss!

Thame Players’ next production, opening on Tuesday 7th May, is an exciting new interpretation of the Shakespearean classic, Twelfth Night.

The plot hinges on the twins, Viola and Sebastian, fleeing their homeland, getting shipwrecked, and each believing the other has drowned. From this tragic scenario Shakespeare weaves a magical farce of mistaken identity and love at first sight.

Viola disguises herself as a man named Cesario, serving Duke Orsino. Orsino sends Cesario to woo Olivia on his behalf, but Olivia falls in love with Cesario (Viola) instead. Meanwhile, Viola falls in love with Orsino, leading to a tangled web of mistaken identities, love triangles, and comedic misunderstandings, eventually resolved in an exuberant reunion.

The cross-dressing androgyny of Boy George and Adam Ant make the perfect disguise for Viola, and the music of the 1980s fills the emotional backdrop. Amongst other characters, Saatobia, a hard-living ‘it’ girl of the 1960s, twenty years past her prime, is the perfect ring leader of ‘creatures of the night’ that haunt this Blitz world of excess, madness and laughter. Amongst these dangerous and damaged people, we find love, fun and joyous redemption.

Director Alan Paterson has set this production in New Romantic Soho. He has cast several of the youngest members of Thame Players to reflect the impetuosity and bravery of the youthful lovers. Alan uses modern costumes and settings to illuminate the wonders of this brilliant Shakespeare comedy about despair, hope and love at first sight. The text shines through this fast-paced romp, giving us some of the greatest poetry and most hilarious comic moments ever seen on the English stage. It is a joy from the first chord to the last kiss.

Twelfth Night will be performed at the Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, from Tuesday 7th-Saturday 11th May inclusive at 7.45pm. Tickets are £10-£12. Book online at https://www.thameplayers.co.uk/ or the Information Centre at Thame Town Hall or phone 01844 212833.

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Visit West Berks open studios

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Some favourite returning artists are joined by new faces for this year’s event

City Arts, Newbury are opening their doors once again for West Berkshire Open Studios as studio number 77.

Returning to the art hub with Open Studios 2024 is Hawksbury Print with her artwork inspired by British birds, Petra Geide-Barnes exhibiting her found object sculptures, Pots of Hope Susie brings her thrown pots, vases and bowls and ceramicist Rebecca Maynard with her hand built figures.

This year they are joined by five new artists to the scheme: black and white photographer Nick Collins, The Berkshire Printmaker shows her playful silkscreen prints, Georgina Bouzyk presents her large landscapes and finally with her jewellery in the City Arts cabinet in Kinsella Colwell Design.

During the Open Studios you will have a chance to meet the artists as they work in the City Arts workshop space and talk about their individual creative process. Pots of Hope Susie will be demonstrating how to throw a pot and you will have the chance to try your hand at silk screen printing with Sarah Martinez, the Berkshire Printmaker.

This free group exhibition is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May from 10 to 5pm. There is a cafe on site serving amazing coffee and home made cakes and dogs are more than welcome.

Check out the Open Studios website for more details about the artists and other Open Studios nearby. Artists at City Arts | Open Studios (open-studios.org.uk)

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