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Princes Risborough Annual Town Festival was established in 1996 by a small group of local people under the guidance of the Town Council. Its aim as stated in its constitution, is to promote and enhance the profile of Princes Risborough, its clubs, businesses, associations and inhabitants, and to bring a week of entertainment and general enjoyment to all who wish to participate. Initially, the Festival attracted some 20 events culminating in a Street Fayre on its final day and this format remains much the same today. Even though the Festival has become much bigger, it still remains ‘local’ in feel and in benefit. It is traditionally held during the first full week of July.

Over the ensuing years, general interest in the Festival has risen and it now caters for around 80 events with the week stretching to eight days. The week begins on the first Saturday with a Street Parade, Fancy Dress and Children’s Fun Day, held at the King George V Recreation Ground where people turn out in large numbers to give their support. The next day the 10km Road Race is held. This usually attracts over 250 entrants – serious runners and fun runners - and has become a permanent fixture in the Festival calendar. Throughout the week that follows, a wide range of events are held from music (to suit all tastes) and theatrical entertainment to local organisations’ recruitment evenings, factory tours and heritage and natural history walks; all of them being extremely well attended. The Street Fayre is held on the final Saturday afternoon and attracts thousands of people. Continuous musical entertainment, numerous stalls and fairground rides ensure a fun-filled afternoon for all. On the final Sunday the popular children’s chocolate hunt is held in nearby countryside. New events are always welcome. 2005 saw the introduction of two new major events – a well-attended, registered, dog show and a car rally and quiz. Both proved very popular and it is hoped will join the ‘regulars’ in the programme.

From its outset the Festival has had to be self-sufficient. It must raise by sponsorship all the monies needed to enable the event to take place. This amounts to around £8500 each year to pay for such items as printing and distributing the programme, the provision of public address systems for outdoor events, hiring generators and toilets, and road closures for the Fancy Dress Parade, Street Fayre and 10 km run. The Festival programme is delivered free to all addresses in the HP27 postcode area. Through the Festival, local and national charities and organisations are able to raise their own funds, by taking part in the Street Fayre, holding promotional events etc.

The Festival Committee also arranges the Christmas Lights evening when the town’s festive lights are formally switched on. The Market Square is usually filled with local people enjoying carols and other festive music, visiting stalls selling hot food and seasonal fare, while waiting for the lights to be switched on by members of the cast from the pantomime at High Wycombe’s Swan Theatre.

If you would like to become involved in any aspect of the Festival contact:
The Clerk to the Festival, 5 Ash Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0BH