Dazzling new artworks are set to light up the trail in Wiltshire this festive season
Excitement is building as Christmas at Stourhead returns from 29th November to 1st January – promising to be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever before.
This year’s illuminated after-dark trail, created by Culture Creative and produced in partnership with Sony Music and the National Trust, will feature an array of dazzling new light installations guaranteed to enchant visitors of all ages.
This year’s trail is set to sparkle with new artistic innovations from internationally renowned creators, ensuring a festive experience like no other.
Among the new must-see features are:
Sea of Light by ITHACA Studio: An awe-inspiring large-scale display, where thousands of individually controlled LED light balls animate in harmony with a bespoke soundtrack, creating a mesmerizing and immersive experience.
Light a Wish by OGE Design Group: Capturing the whimsy of dandelion seeds floating through the air, this piece symbolises wishes taking flight, adding a touch of wonder to the trail. This playful and emotion-evoking installation by artists Merav Eitan and Gaston Zahr has captivated audiences worldwide.
Snowflake Show by Scot Gianelli: Huge snowflakes, up to five metres tall, will light up in time with festive music, casting a magical glow across the grounds. Designed by Scot Gianelli, a Los-Angeles-based lighting designer known for his work across theatre, fine art, and architecture, this display is sure to wow visitors.
These dazzling new artworks will join Stourhead’s already beloved illuminated trail, featuring a spectacular array of twinkling lights, sparkling tunnels, and vibrant woodland and lakeside displays.
The historic landscape will be filled with the scents and sounds of Christmas, offering visitors the chance to step into a winter wonderland like no other.
Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or loved ones, this festive trail promises to create new memories against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the UK’s most iconic gardens.
There’s even a chance to catch a magical glimpse of Father Christmas as you stroll through the sparkling grounds.
With over a million twinkling lights transforming Stourhead’s stunning grounds, this is an unmissable event for your festive calendar.
As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead
Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. There’s still a few days left to discover the breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy at Welford Park near Newbury. Explore the night-time wonder of Welford Park through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the stars until November 10th. Book at Spectacle of Light | Welford Park
Stourhead has been enhanced by the curated trail featuring the stunning Christmas Cathedral, in which more than a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape. New features this year include a Sea of Light stretching into the distance, larger-than-life snowflakes suspended in trees and Light a Wish, which fills the air with giant, floating dandelion seeds. You’ll be surrounded by a sea of light and feathers floating in the night sky from November 29th to January 1st. Book at Christmas 2024 | Stourhead | Wiltshire | National Trust
Create magical memories at Longleat as you journey through time at the Festival of Light with a Roman chariot, mammoth, dinosaurs and an Egyptian pyramid as well as a dragon boat from the Shang dynasty. The highlight will feature Longleat House transformed as part of an immersive video display. Travel through time from when dinosaurs roamed to the present day with an appearance by Elizabeth I. The display November 9th until January 5th features more than 1,000 lanterns. Tickets at Longleat
Be part of the Corn Exchange’s Festival of Light on Sunday, 15th December and help transform Newbury town centre into a twinkling wonderland. The procession will travel along Northbrook Street before arriving in the Market Place with live music and a festive atmosphere. In the run up to the event, join a lantern making workshop, November 30th – December 8th and create a traditional pyramid lantern out of willow and paper ready to carry in the procession. More details & booking at Lantern Making Workshop | Corn Exchange | Corn Exchange Newbury
The illuminated outdoor Christmas Trail in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. Wander the picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer to discover a place where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and Christmassy sounds fill the air with festive fun. Inspired by the natural world and festive themes, the illuminations have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the festive season. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles, shimmering tunnels of light and vibrant woodland lakeside displays. November 15th to January 1st. Booking essential Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market
The family-friendly illuminated light trail at Cotswold Farm Park is a wondrous night-time experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations. The lights will guide you on an enchanting stroll through the park after hours along the picturesque trail. Enjoy thousands of lights Nov 22nd-24th, Nov 29th-Dec 1st, 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 18th-23rd and 28th-31st. Book at A Magical Enchanted Light Trail On The Farm | The Cotswolds
Christmas comes to Marlborough on November 29th with the festive market and lights switch on. The following day brings the chance to shop for gifts at the Christmas fair at St Peter’s selling a range of products, from hampers and gifts to candles and infusers, local gins and natural skincare, handmade textiles, glass crafts and art.
Newbury gets into the Christmas spirit with the lights switch on (6pm) and a day of festivities on November 16th before finishing off with the official Lights Switch On Afterparty at Newbury Racecourse. The artisan Christmas market starts the day with unique and handmade gifts on offer. From Inch’s Yard to the Market Place and the Waterside Centre, the town will be filled with the sound of music and live performances throughout the day.
The Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza is a highlight of the area’s festive calendar on December 13th. The town becomes a Victorian-era wonderland, complete with fairy tale Christmas lights, steam engines, entertainers, charity stalls, food stalls, The Rock Choir, and Elsa, Anna and Olaf. The festivities kick off at 5pm with a Christmas street fair of stalls, Santa’s grotto, Christmas horse carriage rides, steam engines, festive food and drinks, big wheel and fairground rides. There’s also an indoor Christmas market in the Town Hall offering crafts, honey, cakes, cheese, chocolates and liqueurs, jewellery, glassware, knitted accessories, smoked trout, books, pies, pastries, cosmetics and organic oils.
One of the most popular Christmas markets and not just in Wiltshire is Bath Christmas Market which returns from Thursday, 28th November until Sunday, 15th December. Meander through the cobbled streets of the heritage city centre of Bath, soaking in the festive atmosphere whilst browsing some of the best independent makers for the South West and beyond. Bath Christmas Market is a free, open-air event that is sure to get you in the festive mood.
This Christmas, discover a wonderland of light and festive cheer at the historic Town Gardens, Swindon as you embark on the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail. Wander through a magical backdrop of illuminated trees, discover a trail of remarkable light art sculptures, low level soundscapes, interactive illuminations and a specially commissioned light show. Follow the trail from November 29th to December 24th. Book at Events for 29/11/2024Â
Hop aboard The Rose of Hungerford for an hour-long trip where everyone meets Santa and the children all receive a present. For more & to book visit The Rose of Hungerford – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Take a trip on the Jubilee at Newbury which will be cruising to Greenham Land to find Santa. Enjoy a Christmas story, singing and time with Santa on the one-hour trip with a gift. More at Jubilee – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Both trips available on selected December dates.Â
At the home of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre at Coleshill, explore this makers market to discover artisan gifts hand made by local crafts people and craft course providers. Browse locally handmade crafts, gifts, and much more. Bring the kids along to enjoy some festive children’s activities too on Sunday, 24th November.
Steam into Christmas at Didcot Railway Centre and help Santa find his missing reindeer, November 30th and selected dates in December. The reindeer have escaped and are lost, he needs them to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. You’ll receive a special passport and stocking as you enter as well as a small gift at each reindeer station. On December 17th book for a very special one-man show, A Christmas Carol features Gerald Dickens, Charles’ great great grandson. Book at Didcot Railway Centre
The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis near Wantage is offering a fixed price Festive Dining Menu from November 29th until Christmas Eve from £35pp. Private dining rooms available for larger groups. Wreath-making courses available 29th & 30th November. Stuck for a present idea? Buy a Greyhound Gift Voucher for a range of dining or stay experiences. All details at Home – The Greyhound Inn or call 01235 771969 to discuss your requirements.Â
Looking to create a hamper as a gift or for the perfect party fare? Gastro Nicks in Collingbourne Ducis is an Aladdin’s Cave of charcuterie, antipasti, cheese, chutneys, pasta, pesto, sauces and oils not to mention the wines, Champagne and sparkling wines to accompany it all. And no Christmas celebration would be complete without a slice of delicious Panettone. Add a touch of the Med to your festivities, shop at gastronicks.co.uk
And finally, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without that great British tradition, the panto… oh no it wouldn’t! Corn Exchange Newbury is staging Dick Whittington, the tale of the lad who went to London in search of his fortune from November 29th to January 5th, Book at Dick Whittington Pantomime 2024 | Corn Exchange Newbury
Enjoy treats galore – and find inventive ways to use seasonal squash well – The White Hart in Fyfield
‘Tis the season to do creative things with a pumpkin… But, step away from the carving tools, and put yourself in the capable hands of The White Hart at Fyfield.
Foodies are rightly spellbound by this stunning restaurant and pub, which occupies a beautifully converted 15th century chantry house, with its own kitchen garden in one of the country’s prettiest spots.
If you haven’t been (it’s amazing how many lifelong locals haven’t), you’re in for a treat, and if you’re quick (today!) you can enjoy the frighteningly good Halloween menu. This has been crafted by Grahame Wickham, who joined as head chef earlier this year at the small family-run business owned by chef Mark Chandler and his wife Kay. Â
Popular favourites which show the kitchen’s skills and might well blow your mind include popular nibbles such as Korean chicken, pickled red onion, chilli and sesame. From the off, you know you’re in excellent hands but make sure to arrive hungry to make room for the epic feasts which feel fitting in the gorgeous baronial dining room: think doors heavy enough for any Hammer horror film, antlers galore and gloriously comfortable thrones and banquettes to settle into for a whole afternoon. Â
You’re pretty much guaranteed the royal treatment, which is the same as accorded to the best in seasonal produce (you can often find the chefs foraging locally) including the monkfish bourguignon, smoked pancetta, wild mushrooms, Grelot onions, spinach puree, red wine jus (£32), or pan-roasted duck breast, confit Roscoff onion, wilted greens, toasted pumpkin seeds, sweet potato fondant, preserved plums, balsamic and plum ketchup, duck and plum sauce (£31).
But, impossible as this sounds, make sure you have room to try the puddings which are a whole other level! From the incredible nutty and nice concoction of chocolate delice with peanut butter and the pumpkin cheesecake, your heart will be won by a brain-melting array of flavours, as well as the homemade ice creams, from pear through to coffee and caramel.
Admirably, the team working their magic at this gourmet destination are as passionate about food as they are sustainability. This week, the whole menu has done more to demonstrate the power of the pumpkin than a whole showroom of jack-o-lanterns. They are also giving out delicious pumpkin recipes to help you use your pumpkin leftovers and carve, cook and squash food waste together!
So, book in to find out how The White Hart has scooped a whole array of awards as well as two AA Rosettes held for 17 years and earned the die-hard love of diners and drinkers.
More to follow, but for now: upcoming highlights include Game Night on 14th November and a festive gift fair on 5th December.Â
Join Professor Dave Waltham for an eco-friendly Busting the Myths highlight at 7pm for 7.30pm on Thursday, 14th November, at Marlborough Town Hall
Your local Citizens’ Climate Lobby was formed in 1981 and has 59 members, men and women, Do we really need drastic action to curb fossil fuel emissions? If so, how can it be done – what will it cost – and which of us will bear those costs? Will business be badly damaged? Will the poorest (as so often) suffer most?
The local branch of Citizens’ Climate Lobby UK urges you to join us to address and debate the key existential question of our time, headed by a speaker long acquainted with the fossil fuel industry, and its place in the energy economy.
We’ve been assailed with conflicting and disturbing accounts of the climate/ecological crisis. On May 1st, this year the Telegraph (in line with the government of the day) claimed that The Net Zero Leviathan is Crushing the Economy.
Days later, the Guardian urged new efforts to meet climate targets to avoid a ‘semi-dystopian future’ of heat-waves, wildfires, floods and famine’, quoting hundreds of the world’s leading scientists from the authoritative IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
How can we know what to think? And how can we believe that we individuals have any real role to play?
Last May over 100 people joined the Lobby at the Town Hall for a showing of the film 2040 – a heartening, fact-based vision of the astonishing and under-appreciated possibilities for climate safety, human wellbeing, and environmental regeneration in a post-carbon world.
Professor Dave Waltham, now writing the Carbon Literacy Curriculum for Royal Holloway University, is passionately concerned to convey a clarifying and heartening account of the policies needed, and how we can support them.
Free entry, tea and cake available – donations welcome
Tibi Magda, head chef at Gourmet Pasta Co in Newbury, shares his thoughts about food & local life as he prepares another batch of fresh pasta workshops for fellow foodies!
Newbury’s freshest new indie business on the block, Gourmet Pasta Co, offers both classic Italian and Italian-South American recipes, inspired by the waves of Italians who immigrated to South America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dishes to make your mouth water include green ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta with a sage butter sauce and pink sorrentinos (South American circular shaped pasta) filled with roasted butternut squash and almonds and an orange butter sauce.
“We make all our fresh pasta in-house, and we also sell our gourmet pasta frozen so you can cook it at home,” says Tibi. “We run regular midweek events including pasta-making classes, cocktail nights, ladies socials, and a monthly live jazz night.”
Originally from Romania, where he says it was amazing to watch the transition from communism to democracy growing up, Tibi has lived in Newbury for nine years, working in a number of local restaurants. His passion for Italian food was also forged while living and working in Caravaggio, Italy for 10 years.
Tibi adds:”Newbury is a lovely historic market town, and it’s a great size – big enough to have lots going on, but small enough so you can walk everywhere, and you bump into friends. Newbury and its surrounding villages offer great off-the-beaten-track culinary hotspots, with independents, Michelin stars, and a very foodie Saturday market right outside Gourmet Pasta Co. I might be biased, but if you like fresh pasta, Gourmet Pasta Co is the best quality and value restaurant in Newbury. We’ve had Italian visitors rave about it, which is a true compliment! There are several other good independent restaurants too.
“It’s nearly the end of the year, but we run a really interesting series of events. It’s great to see the restaurant full and buzzing during these, even if we’re rushed off our feet in the kitchen! Personally, it’s exciting building the perfect team in the restaurant and exploring and innovating creating new fresh pasta dishes.
“As a chef, it’s hard to have a pet, as I work evenings and long days. If I did, I’d have a dog, partly because there are amazing walks in and around Newbury. A great starting place is following the Kennet and Avon Canal towpaths, which run for miles in both directions.”
“If I could make one Christmas wish for the world, it would be a world without borders, so everyone can travel anywhere.”
Gourmet Pasta is at 34 Market Place, RG14 5AG. To find out more please call 01635 635603& visit gourmetpasta.co.ukÂ
Are the darker nights getting you down? Denise Barkley swaps Oxfordshire for Woolacombe to review a break at The Watersmeet Hotel
Half-term and it’s not just the kids who need some time off! Why not make the most of it with a cheeky break beside the sea?
There’s nothing more invigorating than the crash of waves, salt spray in the air and the cry of seagulls – and a perfect spot to indulge in all that is the dazzling Watersmeet Hotel in North Devon.
Named as luxury hotel group Conde Nast Johansen’s Best Waterside Hotel in the UK and Ireland 2024, this is a fabulous hostelry that’s getting everything right at it’s superlative clifftop location just outside surfers’ paradise Woolacombe.
This wildly romantic spot enjoys an inimitable vista of the wild Atlantic crashing on to the rocks of beautiful Combesgate Beach below. The hotel even has its own private steps down to it. When the tide ebbs, it’s body-boarding and rock-pooling central – I remember coming here with my kids many moons ago and it’s just as magical as it was then.
We revisited this summer, hoping for sunshine but figuring that if the weather wasn’t brilliant we could just sit and watch the majesty of the waves, sip a cocktail and put the world to rights. Well, the weather was true-to-form dull, but at least the rain held off and we had a fantastic couple of days cosseted within this delightfully traditional hotel and out in the open air walking the cliffs, getting blown away on the beaches and visiting nearby Ilfracombe where Damien Hirst’s vast statue of pregnant Verity dominating the harbour really is a showstopper – whether you love it or hate it!
In keeping with its dreamy location, Watersmeet is setting the bar high with its slick but warm-hearted hospitality. The 28 individually decorated bedrooms and suites exude contemporary seaside chic, backed up by a two-AA rosette restaurant, galleried terrace for al fresco dining and drinks, indoor and outdoor pools.
We couldn’t fault our ultra-comfortable deluxe sea-view room with its super-comfy beds. At one point, the skies cleared and we could see the island of Lundy on the horizon. It’s a bird-life haven and a popular visitor destination with boat trips from the harbours at Ilfracombe and Bideford.
“At one point, the skies cleared and we could see the island of Lundy on the horizon”
If you’re an ardent foodie, then Watersmeet is for you. Head chef John Cairns is doing great things and my breakfast Eggs Benedict is probably the best I’ve ever had! Dining revolves around the elegant lounges, superb terrace and, the piece de resistance, the gorgeous Rocks restaurant where the wrap-round picture windows ensure you enjoy those sea views from dawn til spectacular sunset.Â
From the lunchtime fresh crab sandwiches on arrival to the gourmet delights of dinner, the Watersmeet is a foodie gem. And there’s no teeny-weeny portions here – my asparagus with crispy hen’s egg starter followed by an entire sole drenched in brown shrimp butter were entirely divine. Another Watersmeet tradition is afternoon tea. It’s just a question of pacing yourself! And they do a cooked ‘high tea’ until 5pm for smaller children.
Come rain or shine, Watersmeet Hotel offers hospitality in the best tradition. It’s a comfortable base for enjoying all the delights of this scenic region. If you and the kids are feeling energetic then there’s surfing, kayaking, coasteering, horse-riding and gold – there’s two world-class links courses close by at Saunton and Westward Ho.
Calling all chocoholics! Check out the new ‘Chocolate Bar’ serving up waffles, indulgent hot chocolates, milkshakes and Crèma Gelata soft-serve ice creams
Global premium chocolate brand Lindt & Sprüngli is delighted to announce the grand opening of their sweet new destination at Bicester Village.
Lindt Bicester Village store manager, Bart Spadlo says: “We’re thrilled to open the world’s first Lindt ‘Chocolate Bar’ and to expand our presence at Bicester Village, just in time for half term. We think it will be hugely popular with guests looking for the ultimate indulgent chocolate treat.’
Situated in the main mall, the Chocolate Bar, open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm, will serve 17 different delectable treats. Indulge in a luxurious velvety hot chocolate, crafted with a rich shot of liquid chocolate and steamed milk, finished with delicate flakes of Lindt Excellence 70% chocolate.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with an irresistible new waffle, drenched in a melted chocolate-tap shot, served with a generous helping of Crema Gelata, and drizzled with the popular Lindt Cremosa chocolate sauce.
For ice cream lovers, enjoy the rich and creamy flavours of Lindt White and Milk chocolate Crema Gelata. Available in a waffle cone dipped in melted chocolate and filled with a chocolate shot from the Lindt chocolate tap, topped with a swirl of chocolate hazelnut sauce, and a dark chocolate thin.
If you prefer a shake, choose from milk, white, or white chocolate strawberry options. Each shake blends ice-cold milk with creamy Crema Gelata, topped with grated Lindt Excellence 70% chocolate. Crafted with passion by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers, it’s pure indulgence in every sip.
The new Chocolate Bar will complement with Lindt Chocolate Shop also situated in Bicester Village. It’s definitely worth a visit with a life-sized flowing chocolate fountain, decorative cocoa pods suspended from the ceiling and the delicious, and the iconic jewel-like rainbow of Lindt Pick & Mix. Discover the enchanting world of Lindt with an abundance of gifts, assorted boxes, and bars to choose from – it’s pure chocolate heaven.
A mouth-watering selection of Lindt Pick and Mix awaits you, with customer favourites and some more unique and exclusive flavours: from Lindt Marc de Champagne truffles to LINDOR Raspberry & Cream and so much more!
There’s a reason Lindt chocolate is so smooth, is all about the conching. Invented by Rodolphe Lindt in 1879 and still used today, the conching process revolutionised the chocolate industry. By continuously stirring chocolate for over 72 hours, it created a chocolate so fine and flavoursome that it could melt completely on the tongue. The silky smooth and velvety texture has since become synonymous with Lindt.
Bicester Village offers 150 luxury fashion & lifestyle boutiques and dine-in restaurants, with free parking for all guests travelling by car, it’s the perfect day trip for all the family in a picturesque, open-air setting.
Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock will host a First World War Family Day on Saturday, 2nd November, in tribute to the 110th anniversary of the start of the Great War
Visitors of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in history with living history displays and interactive galleries.
You’ll also find First World War-themed family workshops and craft activities, pop-ups from other museums, historians and heritage organisations. The museum team will gratefully accept donations of records and objects with local Great War stories.
The family day, 12-5pm on Saturday, 2nd November, marks 110 years since the outbreak of the Great War, while the county military museum also celebrates 10 years since it first opened.
The event aims to commemorate this and help families discover more about Oxfordshire’s contribution to events that changed the world and the stories of local people caught up in them.
First World War activities will be open to all the family, with an illustration workshop focused on wartime animals, and an opportunity to make your own Princess Mary tin, like those gifted to soldiers from Christmas 1914.
During the event, the museum’s galleries will be open alongside a range of WW1 living history displays to help immerse visitors in the period. The Great War Society, Britain’s longest-running First World War living history group, will portray soldiers from the county regiment (The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) throughout different stages of the conflict. Those dropping in will also see interpretations on the ‘War to End All Wars’.
The museum’s permanent displays cover some of the many different fronts on which the war was fought, from the western front to Mesopotamia (now Iraq), while a recreated trench dugout offers visitors a chance to walk through history, with equipment and clothing for families to handle and even try on.
Alongside living history, there will be opportunities to find out more about local and family history with a number of displays from other museums and heritage organisations, including the Western Front Association, Chipping Norton Museum, Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, and the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum. Great War historian and author Helen Frost will be prompting her new book Voices from the Great War: Women’s Land Army, with signed copies available, alongside a fascinating display of Land Girls’ uniforms and photographs to help tell their often-overlooked First World War story.
Those with a family story from the First World War and objects to share will find museum staff and volunteers on hand to discuss these and accept donations to the museum’s collections, preserving Oxfordshire’s military heritage for future generations. The museum is particularly interested in objects from the First World War with a person or story associated with them that ties to the county itself, or one of the county’s regiments, The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry or Oxfordshire Yeomanry.
During the First World War Family Day the museum will not charge its standard admission prices for entry, instead visitors will be encouraged to pay what they can as entry will be by donation. All proceeds will be support the museum’s 10th anniversary fundraising campaign, helping to ensure the museum can continue to look after and expand its collections while preserving and sharing Oxfordshire’s military and wartime stories.
Blenheim Palace, just a short walk from Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, is kindly supporting this event providing additional car parking for visitors on their site throughout.
The Corn Exchange Newbury is set to deliver an exciting line-up of shows for everyone to enjoy during October.
Audiences can look forward to evenings filled with laughter from top comedians, engaging theatrical performances, music acts that pay homage to musical legends, and a fascinating talk from a hero of English football. With a much-loved family show also on offer for the beginning of half term, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A trio of hilarious comedy shows that promise laughter and absurdity will hit the Newbury stage this month. Dom Joly kicks things off with The Conspiracy Tour (Tue 8), where the globe-trotting comedian delves into the bizarre world of conspiracy theories, offering a hilarious guide to the most outlandish ideas on the planet. Next up, Joe Pasquale returns with The New Normal, 40 Years of Cack… Continued (Thu 17th), a brand-new tour celebrating his four-decade career of delightful humor. Finally, Fin Taylor takes to the Corn Exchange stage with his show Ask Your Mother (Wed 23rd). Known for his brutally funny stand-up, Fin brings his sharp wit and viral internet fame to the stage for a night that will have audiences laughing and questioning everything. Â
There are three facinating theatre offerings on the Corn Exchange’s stage this October, starting with Black Is The Color Of My Voice (Wed 9th), inspired by Nina Simone’s life, returning to Newbury. This powerful piece follows the life of the singer and civil rights activist reflecting on her journey from a piano prodigy to a jazz icon. Secondly is Windrush Secret (Wed 16th), a one-man drama by Rodreguez King-Dorset, exploring the 2018 Windrush scandal through the perspectives of a far-right leader, a Caribbean diplomat, and a government official. One holds a life-changing secret that could alter everything. The final theatre offering for the month, Casting The Runes (Tue 29), invites you to the edge of your seat with a chilling adaptation of M.R. James’ ghost stories, perfect for the build-up to Halloween. 
For music lovers, there are a number of shows guaranteed to get you reminiscing. First up, Musicals: The Ultimate Live Band Sing-Along (Thu 10th) offers a wild, interactive experience where the audience takes centre stage. From Mamma Mia! to Hamilton, you’ll belt out tunes from your favourite musicals alongside a talented cast, making this night truly unforgettable. Then, the Johnny Cash Roadshow (Fri 11th) returns with a new production that takes you deep into Cash’s world, set against a Folsom Prison-style backdrop. With hits like Walk the Line and Ring of Fire, the show dives into Cash’s legendary career, bringing his story to life. Finally, The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Elton John (Sat 19th) expect a spectacular journey through Elton’s career with performances of all of his greatest hits.  
On Tuesday 15th, football legend Sir Geoff Hurst, the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final, will be at the Corn Exchange Newbury for his final farewell tour, Last Man Standing. At 82, Sir Geoff, England’s 1966 World Cup hero, will share his incredible story, followed by a Q&A with his friend and agent Terry Baker. VIP tickets are available for this event enabling audience members to meet-and-greet Sir Geoff, have a photo opportunity, and autograph session with him. This is an event not to be missed for any football fan. 
The end of October sees the start of another half term and with it some fantastic family shows. The first being a musical adaptation of the much-loved tale The Tiger Who Came To Tea (Fri 25th – Sun 27th) by Judith Kerr. Join the tea-guzzling tiger, Sophie and her mummy for this delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Children can also enjoy an arts and crafts pre-show workshop themed to the show on Saturday 26th to create their very own tiger mask to wear during the show and take home with them. 
Marlborough LitFest celebrates its 15th year with a packed programme full of more than 40 events offering a myriad of topics for all ages across the festival weekend from 26th to 29th September
On offer this year is an exciting mix of debut authors and established writers in fiction and non-fiction, as well as poetry, children’s authors and free schools events, workshops and LitFest’s annual Big Town Read in the historic market town.
This year’s line-up includes LitFest Patron Sir Simon Russell Beale, 2024 Golding Speaker Linda Grant, Celia Imrie, Robert Hardman, Kate Mosse, William Dalrymple, Zeinab Badawi, Robert Peston, Sarah Perry, Martin Sixsmith, Jonathan Dimbleby, Felix Francis and children’s author and illustrator duo Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre.
With autobiography, memoir, poetry and fiction and non-fiction covering genres including Shakespeare, royalty, politics, history, nature (in particular trees and tulips), signing therapy, midlife crises, a history of childhood reading, crime, food and travel, AI, sport, storytelling for both adults and children and a Big Book Quiz at The Parade Cinema, this year’s 15th anniversary programme has something for everyone.
Bestselling Sunday Times author and award-winning actor Celia Imrie will discuss her latest novel, Meet Me at Rainbow Corner. Fans of the international bestseller, The Essex Serpent can hear Sarah Perry talking about her new novel, Enlightenment. Political and economics reporter Robert Peston will talk about his latest novel, The Crash, featuring his recurring main protagonist, Gil Peck.
Join local playwright and author Barney Norris on a walk in Savernake Forest, examining the link between place and memory when writing about fiction. Participants can write about their own experiences and discuss this over a drink in a local Marlborough pub.
LitFest Patron Sir Simon Russell Beale will be interviewed by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford, discussing Beale’s first book, A Piece of Work, recounting his acting career with a focus on his Shakespearean characters. Broadcaster and journalist Jonathan Dimbleby, acclaimed for his Second World War histories, will talk about Endgame 1944: How Stalin Won the War.
Among many other highlights, sports journalist Sam Peters will be in conversation with rugby player Steve Thompson about concussion in sport in his book Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth. First time writer Chloe Dalton will share her astonishing story of Raising Hare. Tristan Gooley, bestselling author of How to Read a Tree, will share tips on tree identification and how to unlock the secret signs that trees give about their past and surrounding landscape.
In its 15th year LitFest has expanded its free activities for younger children and their families, with many ways to join in and share everyone’s love of stories. The children’s festival programme features a bumper crop of events – many free – to keep all ages entertained both before and during the festival weekend. Little ones can enjoy poetry and storytelling slots at Pewsey and Marlborough Libraries, with Street Storytellers at The Parade Cinema, as well as free craft activities at St Peter’s Church with Aldbourne Children’s Book Group.
To book your tickets and find out more please visit Marlborough Literature Festival. You can also call 0333 666 3366 or buy from The White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough, and from the box office in the Town Hall over the festival weekend. Please note that the bookshop cannot take orders by phone.
