SUMMER has arrived and a jam-packed programme of events will soon be kicking off in and around Westbury, with events to entertain the entire family.
It promises to be a summer to remember with a wide range of exciting events coming up including the popular Lions Donkey Derby, a remote-controlled flying weekend, the Village Pump Folk Festival with Barbara Dickson headlining and the Westbury Music and Arts Festival, along with a host of much-anticipated events in the surrounding villages.
To begin the calendar of events Edington Fair will take place this Saturday 6th June from 2pm. The popular family event will include a clown, circus skills workshop, and fair favourites such as plants, books, cakes, and games. The fair will be followed by a live band, hog roast, and bar from 7.30pm.
The Lions’ Donkey Derby will then kick off on Sunday 14th June from midday onwards at the White Horse Country Park. The Wild West themed event is set to be the biggest ever and as well as the classic donkey races there will be cowboy shows, fairground games, and refreshments will be available. (See story below right).
Bratton Afternoon Out will be run by Bratton Baptist Church on Saturday 13th June from 2pm to 8pm. There will be a geocache treasure hunt starting at the church, sports on the village green, and a barbecue and live music in the evening. Contact 01380 830746 for more information.
Bratton Church Fete will take place on Saturday 27th June at St. James’ Church Institute from 2pm. There will be teas, family fun games, the Bratton Silver Band, a tombola, and show by Bratton School Dance Club.
Then for a weekend with a difference, the AIR remote-controlled flying weekend returns to the White Horse Country Park from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th July.
There will be remote control flying displays and then competitions where some of the best pilots in the UK will showcase their skills.
The following week the hills will come alive with the sounds of the Village Pump Folk Festival where folk music giants will be keeping the feet stomping from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July. Acts booked include Barbara Dickson & Nick Holland, Show of Hands, Sam Green & the Midnight Heist, Oysterband, and Mad Dog McRea. More info at www. villagepumpfolkfestival.co.uk.
The Corsley Show, now 106 years old, will grace the August Bank Holiday on Monday 31st. The traditional village fair will show horticulture and crafts, children’s activities, dog, horse, and pony shows, vintage vehicles, and more. More info at www.corsleyshow.org.uk.
Then to bring the summer to a close, the hugely popular Westbury Music and Arts Festival will bring hordes of entertainment to the town from 25th September to 11th October.
Opened by Westbury Choral Society then a DJ set from Craig Charles, other confirmed acts at venues around the town include Sticky Toffee Jazz, Stamp and Us Two, The Fiata Trio, and The Frome Swing Band. More info at www.wmafestival.co.uk.
