|
 Chippenham
hosts a full programme of established annual events, combined with
a variety of unique special celebrations and activities.
Shrove Tuesday heralds the annual Pancake Races, with people of
all ages flipping pancakes in the High Street.
April celebrates 50’s rock, focusing on one of the legends
of the era, Eddie Cochran, who died in a road accident in Chippenham
in 1960. The Eddie Cochran Appreciation Society arranges events
for visitors from around the world who come to celebrate his memory
and music over the weekend.
The annual Beer Festival is held in the Olympiad Leisure Centre
in April and celebrates real ales from around the world.
May Day is celebrated with dancing in the Market Place. The popular
annual Folk Festival occurs over the four days of the second May
Bank Holiday and brings thousands of visitors into the town for
one of the largest and most popular festivals in the region. The
town’s streets, parks and halls are filled with colourful
British pageantry whilst special troupes from abroad display their
varied traditions and musical talents. The combination of British
and overseas entertainers entice people from all over the world
to this well-established event.
The first Sunday in August brings the ever popular annual Children’s
Fun Day in John Coles Park. Community groups, professional children’s
entertainers and traditional rides ensure one of the liveliest fun-packed
FREE children’s events in the town. The Chippenham River Festival
began in 2009 and occurs over the August Bank Holiday weekend, providing
an extensive programme of river based activities and events.
Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated with a dazzling firework display
and bonfire in Monkton Park.
The spectacular and increasingly popular Christmas Lights Switch
On event in November signals the start of the festive season in
Chippenham. Thousands of people descend on the town to see the breathtaking
arrival of Father Christmas, visit the craft fayre, the fun fair
rides, watch the fireworks and join in the festivities.
Touring circuses, band concerts in John Coles Park, craft shows,
antique fairs, book sales and other events all add ingredients to
the life of the town.
Volunteer and community groups are a vital element in Chippenham’s
daily life and are the source of much energy and many of the activities
in the town. Many of these organisations are listed further on in
this guide.
For up to date information on forthcoming festivals & celebrations
check out the events page at www.chippenham.gov.uk
or contact :
Chippenham Tourist Information Centre, Yelde Hall,
Market Place, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 3HL
Tel: 01249 665970 Fax: 01249 460776
Email: tourism@chippenham.gov.uk
|
