WARGRAVE Village Festival 2022 is drawing to a spectacular close.
A bi-annual celebration of all things Wargrave, the festival was the brainchild of the late Revd John Ratings, vicar of St Mary’s Church, Wargrave.
The summer of 1975 saw Wargrave’s first festival, and the event has been a major feature of village life ever since.
Over 35 events are held over three weeks in June.
Most are centred on Mill Green, Station Road, but others are held in locations across the village.
This week has already seen a Wargrave In Style event, a teddy bear’s picnic, and a comedy club.
Organiser, Ally Holloway, said:
“It’s been a phenomenal festival.
“We’ve been so lucky with the weather.
“And people just have a taste for being out and about, for socialising with friends again.”
“We’re running on adrenaline now, and looking forward to the events this weekend.”
Thursday, June 23 sees a bingo night at the marquee on Mill Green at 7pm.
Tickets for this event are still available.
On Friday, June 24, the marquee will be filled with party goers at the Bohemian Ball from 7.15pm.
This popular event is sold out.
Saturday is a very big day for the festival.
Saturday is the Fesitval Parade that leads the crowds to Wargrave’s fete.
Its title this year is ‘Summer of Love’.
Many in the parade will have dressed up, enjoying this fun chance for free expression as they lead the crowds to the fete.
“The streets of Wargrave will be closed off, and hundreds of people will process to the fete,” said Ally.
“Theresa May will open the fete, and she’ll also be giving out the prizes for costume winners.
“There will be awards for Best Team Design, and Best Individual Costume, along with runners up.”
The Parade starts at the top of Victoria Road, Wargrave on Saturday, June 25.
Walkers in all their creative finery will begin the route at 12.30pm, arriving at the fete at 2pm.
It will be a colourful, noisy joy-filled demonstration of village togetherness.
Say the organisers:
“‘Summer of Love’ is in celebration and recognition of the love, kindness and warmth we have shown each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
At 7pm on Saturday, the Wargrave Variety show begins.
This event is free.
Many local acts, both young and old, experienced or performing for the first time, will take to the stage.
“The evening ends with sensational local band, Within The Blood,” adds Ally.
“And we’ll also be treated to a local dad DJ’s alter-ego performance, as Randy Del Toro.”
It promises to be an event filled with dancing, singing, laughs, a bit of danger, and magic.
“All of Saturday’s events are free,” explained Ally.
“They are open to everyone to come and enjoy.”
On Sunday, June 26, there will be:
A thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Church, Wargrave.
This takes place from 10.30 to 11.30am.
It is followed by a family and friends BBQ on Mill Green at 12pm.
Tickets for the BBQ are still available: adults £5, children £2.
Once the burgers have been finished, people can drift down to the Lawn of Wargrave Hall, on the High Street in Wargrave.
Morris and African dancing will take place there between 3pm and 5pm.
Tickets for the dancing cost £5.
People are invited, not only to dance, but to bring a picnic.
Finally, the last event of the festival will be the BBO Big Band Show.
It will feature music of big bands such as Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and their contemporaries.
This event takes place in the marquee on Mill Green, Station Road.
The music starts at 7pm.
Tickets for the concert are still available and cost £15.
To find out more about all the Wargrave Festival events, and to purchase tickets, log on to: www.wargravefestival.org.uk
