Something for everyone at festival
Archived press release
Date Published: 19/06/08
Thousands are expected to turn out to enjoy two weeks of family entertainment in Buckingham next month.
The annual Buckingham Festival Fortnight, running from 5 to 20 July, will provide a mix of music, comedy, arts and sports at a variety of venues throughout the town.
The diverse event has been organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council, Buckingham Town Council and the Buckingham Summer Festival committee, in conjunction with many groups from the town and surrounding area.
Week one of the programme features the classical entertainment provided by the Buckingham Summer Festival, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The festival will get off to a flying start with a concert by Buckingham Choral Society at St Peter and St Paul’s Church from 8pm. A further 15 concerts featuring professional musicians from across the world will take place in a series of events the following week.
Highlights include performances by soprano Lianne-Marie Skriniar, pianist Haruko Seki and the acclaimed Kathryn Tickell Band.
On 7 July, the celebrated author, broadcaster, chef and former MP Sir Clement Freud will be appearing at the Radcliffe Centre to talk about his remarkable life.
The classical programme will be rounded off by a special gala concert featuring the Stowe Opera Orchestra and violinist Nadia Wijzenbeek at St Peter and St Paul’s Church on 12 July.
Week two of the festival promises a diverse range of top quality entertainment at a variety of prices, to cater for all ages and interests.
For an evening of side-splitting comedy, head down to the Buckingham Community Centre on 13 July where top comedians Simon Evans and Shappi Khorsandi will be performing stand-up shows full of witty jokes and hilarious stories.
The Buckingham Twinning Association’s popular annual boules competition will be held in the Old Cattle Pens on 14 July. Entry to the event is free and refreshments will be available.
The festival comes to a close on 20 July with a free activity day in the town centre, running from 11am to 4pm. The event will feature live music from the Buckinghamshire Acoustic Club and Winslow Concert Band, circus skills, street entertainment, the Mix 96 inflatable and much more. In addition, the Old Gaol Museum will be open free of charge from 1pm to 4pm.
Keyboardist Ian McLagan of legendary 60s band The Small Faces will be performing with his Bump Band at the Old Town Hall later that day. The concert starts at 7pm, and tickets are £16 in advance, available from www.wegottickets.com
Councillor David Thompson, AVDC Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “We are delighted that there are so many events taking place during the Festival Fortnight. There is something on offer for all the family and as well as attracting our local residents, we look forward to welcoming lots of visitors from outside the district.
“We are delighted to be working with our partners on such a high quality event. So circle 5 to 20 July in your diaries and come along to the Festival Fortnight, to sample a taste of what Buckingham has to offer.”
Councillor Robin Stuchbury, Chairman of Buckingham Town Council’s Events Committee, said: “Yet again the people of Buckingham have come together to organise a multi-faceted festival for the people of Buckingham of all ages and tastes. Many of the events, such as the arts show on 13 July and the fun day on 20 July, are free of charge so there is no excuse for not attending at least one!”
A full programme is available on AVDC’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure-culture and can also be collected from the Buckingham Tourist Information Centre in the Old
Gaol and the town council offices. Alternatively, contact AVDC on 01296 585210 for details.