THE Comedy Club is returning to Ludgershall – YES – on Thursday, October 18. However, if you can’t wait, Brill Festival is staging a bill of some of Ludgershall’s favourite comedians on Friday, August 24, as part of the Brill Beer Festival.
Tickets available from various Brill outlets..(see poster). With RUDI LICKWOOD + OTIZ CANNELLONI + BRIAN DAMAGE & KRYSTALL + MAUREEN YOUNGER
THAME Arts and Literature Festival has broken its own box office record, as tickets sell like hot cakes on the very first day of going on sale!
Celebrating its ninth year, TAL has taken an amazing 800 bookings on its first day with all online tickets, to see historian and TV presenter Lucy Worsley who will be giving a glimpse into the acrimonious divorce of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, through the eyes of their daughter, Lady Mary – sold out by the end of the day. However, due to this huge demand to see the author there will be a few tickets available from the Town Hall box office on sale from September 1, 2018. Seats for the ever-popular Rumsey’s Tea Concert sold out in just 20 minutes of being released online.
Yvonne Maxwell, TAL Director said: “We were overwhelmed at the reaction to this year’s programme. To take over 800 bookings on the first day is nothing short of amazing. We are particularly delighted that, having worked to pull it together for over eight months, the programme has been so well received; it seems that Thame is as excited as we are. Every year, we have a broad range of subjects and fascinating speakers and we would encourage everyone to try the Festival Challenge: go to one thing you know nothing about! You never know, it might just blow your mind.”
Around 3,500 people are expected to attend over 38 events between October 18 – 21, 2018, which will include history, politics, fiction, a playwriting workshop, poetry, memoir, art and music, held at venues across Thame.
Other highlights include The Last British Dambuster’ George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, MBE DFM, in conversation with leading Bomber Command historian Dr Robert Owen, on his role in one of World War II’s most famous missions – Operation Chastise’; the Thame Remembers Project – locating the graves of every man listed on the Thame War Memorial; Oxford author Julie Summers unearths the uninvited guests of our famous historic houses during the Second World War; poet Wendy Cope MBE with her new collection, Anecdotal Evidence; controversial QC Geoffrey Robertson shares his colourful court room life; in the centenary year of women’s suffrage, Oxford author Jane Robinson – Hearts and Minds – the Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women won the Vote delivers the Bookshop Founder’s Lecture discussing how that recognition was achieved; international best-selling crime writer Sophie Hannah on writing Hercule Poirot’s next chapter in The Mystery of The Three Quarters, while Hugh Fraser, who played Captain Hastings in ITV’s Agatha Christie’s Poirot, shares many anecdotes and talks about the fourth installment of his assassin Rina Walker thriller series, Stealth.
The Guardian’s parliamentary sketch writer, John Crace – I, Maybot: The Rise and Fall looks at the Prime Minister’s turbulent first year in power, while opera lovers are invited to pack a picnic supper and enjoy a spectacular ‘Glyndebarn’ gala evening with a complementary glass of Prosecco listening to the wonderful Music of Morse, sung by Oxford’s sublime Opera Anywhere company.
For full programme visit www.talfestival.org
SORRY to mention it in the middle of summer, but Thame Town Council is already planning for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event and wants to involve the community in deciding what attractions to book for Friday, November 30, this year.
Performance groups in Thame – singers, dancers, actors, and comedians – are all invited to perform at the event and to get in touch with the Town Council if they are interested, as space is limited.
Local traders and crafts people are encouraged to apply to have a stall at the event to sell their products, the food and gift market being a perfect way to start the Christmas shopping season and find unique presents, whilst supporting local independent crafters.
In order to make the event happen, the council relies on the generous support of local businesses for sponsorship. Businesses can choose to sponsor a specific aspect of the event, for example the Lantern Parade, or choose a package from the Sponsorship Opportunities leaflet available via the Town Council’s website. Sponsorship starts from £50 and is gratefully received.
All of the event favourites will be returning, including a Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine, live music and entertainment from local performers, the primary schools’ lantern parade, Christmas market, roaming characters, carol singing, and of course the big switch-on at 7pm.
Visit the Christmas in Thame Facebook page and comment with your suggestions on the pinned post, by July 31.
More information about the event can be found at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas. Email info@thametowncouncil.gov.uk if you would like to be involved in the event.
THE Drawing Circus is coming to the village of Towersey, for what’s set to be the art event of the year.
On the July 28 and 29th, the Phoenix Studio in Towersey is hosting a professional troupe of life models and performers who will be putting on a life drawing class with a difference. At least nine models will be bringing the excitement, awe and passion of the Circus to the rural art studio.
Artists of all abilities are invited to wander around the studio and its grounds to capture whichever part of the performance inspires them on paper or canvas.
“We want to make the session accessible to everyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a pro, young or old(er),” said James Ort, manager of the Phoenix Studio. “The studio is such an inspirational place and the Drawing Circus is well known across the country for putting on spectacular events. It really is going to be something to behold!”
The leader of the Circus, Jake Spicer, is one of the country’s top life drawing tutors. He’ll be giving crash courses and masterclasses in life drawing so that even the complete novice will feel armed with some essential skills to have a go and put pen to paper. There’s so much enjoyment and fulfilment to be had from drawing,” said Jake Spicer. “All too often people think they can’t do art. This is simply not true; it just takes an open mind and bit of confidence. Adding creativity to your daily life can make all the difference and we hope this event will inspire everyone who comes.”
The day will be accompanied by music from the wonderful Drawchestra. Basic art materials and refreshments are included for artists and you can bring a picnic for the communal lunch. There is even a family friendly (clothed) session on the Sunday morning.
More details can be found on the Phoenix Studio’s website – phoenixstudio.co.uk
SUNSHINE, music and great merriment throughout the town, the perfect conditions on tap, for the Thame Town Music Convention and Festival, last Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14.
Thousands of people of all ages thronged from all corners of the town and beyond to join in and enjoy the music-making for what the organisers called ‘A Party with a Purpose’.
Festival Founder, Johnnie Littler, the main driving force behind what was the second Thame Town Music Festival – and the first Music Convention, said: “On behalf of the organisers and the volunteer army that worked so long hard to plan and deliver TTMF 18, I have to say that we are absolutely thrilled, delighted and a little bit proud of what was achieved. The people of Thame turned up to the party and enjoyed a spectacular day where live music was at the centre of events.
“We had over 60 different bands and artists performing throughout the town on Saturday, to packed houses, as well as huge crowds in front of the Main Stage in front of the Town Hall. The Classical Concert on Friday evening was a sell out, the Songwriters competition at the Barns Centre was brilliant and the afternoon’s Convention was very interesting. Even though Tom Robinson was delayed because of huge traffic problems, we gave him a platform on the Main Stage to air his opinions on the music industry – and he didn’t hold back!
“We should all be hugely grateful to all the performers, many of whom traveled long distances to play at the Festival. The partnership between the performers giving of their talent, the organisers providing the infrastructure and planning, our sponsors supporting us with the means to provide that infrastructure and the crowds that turned up to experience the day meant, I believe, that we delivered on our Mission Statements … A Party With A Purpose ….. Supporting Musicians ….. Not for Profit …. For The Love Of Music”
Simon Markland, who runs The Thame Music Academy, added: “Local music events don’t get much better than TTMF! We visited various venues throughout the day, saw some incredible live music and enjoyed the buzz and atmosphere all over the town. Dr Feelgood really put the icing on the cake, looking forward to next year already!”
Here, here to all that! We can’t wait for next year. MORE PICTURES HERE
FOLLOWING the furore on local social media last year over the cancellation of Thame’s September Fair, and some very nasty accusations against Thame Town Council being banded about, it was evidently with great relief that the Council announced this week that it’s full steam ahead – well diesel mostly these days – for the fair to come to Thame this coming September 2018.
An agreement has been signed between the town council and the Showmen’s Guild for three years, and ‘water under the bridge’ seems to be the view of most councillors. At the request of the Showmen’s Guild, the old tradition of the town Mayor ringing a ceremonial bell to mark the opening of the fair, will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018.
THAME Town Music Festival is this weekend – all over Thame. Starting on Friday evening, July 13, it’s the classical concert in St. Mary’s Church, Thame with Ann Mackay and Jack Gibbons playing a programme that takes us from Bach to Broadway via Chopin, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Gerscwhin and Cole Porter. Also tonight in the Barns centre is the TTMF18 Songwriters Competition Final, where the ten finalists will play their winning entries to a panel of music industry judges to win a fantastic career enhancing prize. This is FREE entry.
Saturday, July 14, is Festival and Convention day, in venues all over Thame. Check out the poster pictures to see the range of talent playing!.
Festival Chairman, Simon Davidmann, is very excited about the event and offered the following good advice: “We are very pleased to be able to include some new venues to host music and I encourage you to walk around Thame and visit as many of the venues as you can, especially the places you don’t normally go. You may be surprised at just how much variety and quality this town has.
“I also urge you to visit at least one of the Convention sessions in the Barns Centre. These are also FREE. We have some of the music industry’s leading speakers giving advice and ‘war stories’ from the perspective of the artists, Managers, Producers, record companies, festival directors and more. It’s not just for musicians; anyone who likes a good story or to hear sound advice will be highly entertained.
“The music should be incredible. I’m thrilled we have such a strong line-up and are able to showcase so many styles. The Classical concert is a real coup for us, as is being able to attract such a quality list of performers. Personally, starting with Bach and finishing with Dr Feelgood sounds like the perfect weekend to me.”
It does to us too and we wish this fantastic Free Festival and all its visitors a magical and musical weekend!
THE July edition of the First Thursday Music Club, Thame, will feature Steve Winch and the Inception from Milton Keynes, The Dicemen from Tring, Articles of War, Rhys Warriner’s Roguey Roads, Megan Wheatley, Anja and our very own Simon Stafford.
“All kinds of music for our lovely audience (that’s you by the way!) and it is, as ever, all FREE!”
THAME Town Music Festival has announced the 10 finalists of the 2018 Songwriter’s competition, who will perform their entries live at the Festival Final on Friday, July 13, at The Barns Centre, Thame.
Festival Director, Johnnie Littler said: “We received over 50 entries with some fantastic, quality songs covering a wide range of styles and subjects. It has been hard to whittle it down to ten but the panel felt that this list showed what a breadth and quality of song writing talent there is waiting to break through.
“The final is going to be a fantastic night showcasing this talent and all are welcome to come and watch and support the artists starting at 7:30. I’m especially pleased that due to the incredibly generous sponsorship from Christopher Ward, the British watch company, who passionately believe in supporting emerging talent and challenging established thinking, that the event is FREE ENTRY to everyone.”
The Finalists are:
Artist name Song title
Alex Hedley Possibility
Andy Robbins All out at sea
Ben Corby Fancy supermarkets
Bisola Be yourself
Elisha Green Empty nets
Francesca Luker Eyes
Katey Brooks Call out
Rhys Warriner Half way to heaven
Simon Davies Hear what I say
Zach Johnson New Blockbuster
The winner will be given the opportunity to perform the song on the Festival main stage on Saturday, July 14, be nominated for the Christopher Ward Challenger programme for financial and corporate support, and the song will be professionally recorded and videoed for use by the artist. The winner will also receive promotion and support from the TTMF and its affiliates.
Thame Town Music Festival and Convention 2018 is a free multi-genre, multi-venue, market town centre based free festival aimed at promoting live original music performance from new and established artists. 2018 is its second year and the 2-day festival will be held on 13-14 July 2018 in Thame, Oxfordshire.
TTMF17 saw nine venues host 58 acts with over 200 musicians attract over 8,000 visitors.
Thame Town Music Festival CIC, is a Community Interest Company; a not for profit organization run by unpaid volunteers. It exists to enhance Thame and get live music thriving in our town.
THAME Town Music Festival’s Convention and Songwriter’s Competition Final will now be FREE entry, after the festival received a cash injection from sponsors. And, those who have paid for tickets will be reimbursed.
Johnnie Littler, Festival Director, told Thame.net: “We are delighted to announce that due to some very generous backing from our sponsors that we are now able to achieve our original desire to make BOTH the TTMF18 Convention and Songwriters Competition FREE ENTRY. This means that anyone interested in music and how it works can attend the Songwriter’s Competition Final on Friday, July 13, and any of the TTMF Convention sessions (to see Tom Robinson, Mark Gardener, Producers, Festival Directors, Record Companies et al) throughout the event at Thame Town Music Festival on Saturday, July 14, 2018.
“The Songwriting MasterClass, with Ed Sheeran’s inspiration, Luke Concannon, is also FREE but very limited numbers so let us know if you are interested in this and we will put you on the list. These events are at the Thame Barns Centre and are part of the FREE Thame Town Music Festival (60 acts over 8 stages) on Saturday, July 14, 2018.
“ALL ARE WELCOME! As we say: “Not for Profit….. For the love of music!!”