Woodley’s town centre was full of festive merriment as thousands of people flocked to see Santa arrive in a reindeer-pulled sleigh at the annual Winter Extravaganza.
Held on Sunday, December 7, the day-long event saw street entertainment mix with fun and games and stalls staffed by local charities and community groups.
Berkshire Scouts brought their climbing walls and sold cakes to help raise funds for Project Africa, a scheme that helps with education in rural areas of Uganda.
Events on the main stage opened with a performance by rootsy musician Pauly Zarb, before official opening remarks by the Mayor of Woodley, Cllr Brian Franklin, the Borough Mayor of Wokingham, Cllr UllaKarin Clark, and Reading East MP Rob Wilson.
After the remarks, the Mayors and Rob watched Santa arrive in a lively procession. He was pulled on a sleigh led by reindeer and the procession was headed by Woodley town crier Tony Roper.
Santa then stayed in his magical den, welcoming festive requests from children and handing out presents.
Woodley Library organised Christmas crafts and told winter tales to children, while Reading Symphony Quartet performed.
Performing on the main stage were Starlets Dance School, Beechwood Primary School Choir, Bezerk Productions, Woodley Light Operatic Society, Platform YP, JG Dance, a jazz band, the Sainsbury Singers, Razzamatz and the Glee Club UK.
In his welcome, Cllr Franklin said the day was one to “enjoy ourselves” and to “gather round the stalls and to see what’s going on”.
The trio were quick to praise Woodley Town Centre manager Jacques Lherbier, with Rob Wilson leading a round of applause in appreciation for his efforts in making the day happen.
He also praised the town’s community spirit, shown in days such as the Woodley Winter Extravaganza.
Rob said: “The great thing about Woodley is the great people who give so much to community events and groups. It a sign of the local community coming together.”
For more on the Woodley Town Centre initiative, log on to its website.
Last modified on Monday, 08 December 2014 15:31
