THOUSANDS of people are expected to celebrate the festive season when they visit Woodley on Sunday.
The town centre will be hosting its annual Christmas Extravaganza.
Charity stalls, street entertainment and a main stage will be big draws for visitors, although younger readers will be more interested in heading to Santa’s grotto. The town centre’s shops will also be open.
The fun starts at 10am and the official opening celebration starts at 11am with a speech from Woodley town mayor, Cllr Dave Mills. Mother and Father Christmas will then arrive in a sleigh which will be pulled by reindeer and form part of a procession across the whole precinct, ending up at his grotto, which opens at 11.30am.
Jacques Lherbier, Woodley Town Centre Manager, said “The Christmas Extravaganza is the biggest event we hold in the town centre. The Christmas lights look great, [Sunday] should be a good event. I’m really looking forward to it.
“We are building a stage, there will be a great display. We are also building a magical den for Father Christmas who will be making his arrival pulled by three reindeer. He will be giving hundreds of gifts to the children.”
The day’s live entertainment starts at 11.45am with Starlet Dance School showcasing their dances. Also performing will be Spin Theatre Academy demonstrating Zumba, singing from Beechwood Primary School choir and Bulmershe School’s award-winning ensemble: they recently won Reading’s Let’s Sing contest.
Bezerk Productions will be offering a preview of its Christmas musical Aladdin, Woodley Light Operatic Society will sing some seasonal favourite songs and the Sainsbury Singers will showcase an old-time musical hall performance. Local singer Charis Anne will also perform.
In addition to the singing and dancing there will be juggling from the Comedy Juggling Show and international hula hoop performer Angie Mack will also be on stage.
The grand finale will be a performance by the local Rock Choir.
Circus Scene will be providing street entertainment throughout the day and Borderline Morris Dancers will be tapping their feet and jingling their bells at 11.45am and 1.30pm.
There will be refreshments available throughout the day in the library, where you can also have your face painted. A fairy tale character will also be visiting the library at 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Also on offer will be a ferris wheel, children’s roundabout rides, a candy floss stall and a bouncy castle.
www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk
