An original idea by HRG Councillors back in the early 1990’s was to arrange a Christmas Festival and late night shopping event in the town centre which would not only start the town’s celebrations but also boost trade for local businesses. Since that time it has now grown so that in 2009 there were over 60 stalls run by local charities, clubs and businesses taking part, as well as many shops staying open. The festivities began with Mayor Liz Hodgkin, helped by her Christmas card painting competition winner, Sophie Hillas, aged 8 from St Mary’s School, turning on the lights on the big Christmas tree in Market Place.  This was followed by carol singing and lots of entertainment from the rides and stalls in all the main shopping streets of the town.

The Festival is supported by many local businesses and clubs with this year’s main sponsors being Invesco Perpetual and the Ward Consultancy, together with a substantial budget from the Town Council. The Festival certainly encourages a good community spirit and is an enjoyable evening for many residents and visitors, especially our children. It takes nearly a whole year to organise and a lot of hard work from the Christmas Events Committee, which as well as Town Council staff and Councillors includes members from many of Henley’s clubs, businesses and attractions.

Long may HRG continue to initiate such successful events and we all look forward to this year’s event being even bigger and better.

Photos by Mandy Taylor.