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Annual Events List
Marlow Town Regatta and Festival
Marlow is one of the premier events in the British Rowing calendar, attracting competitors worldwide. It was first held in 1885, and is now an important social event, held on a Saturday in mid-June. Now held in Higginson Park, the regatta which also features dragon boat racing, a local festival, craft fair and evening firework finale as well as the rowing events is often attended by Marlow's most famous son Sir Steve Redgrave.
The Regatta's History
The Regatta is one of the premier events in the British rowing calendar and is held annually on a Saturday in mid-June. The date is always just two weeks before the famous Henley Royal Regatta and Marlow Regatta is regarded by many oarsmen as the dress rehearsal for Henley. There are events for various classes of eights, fours, pairs and scullers with the elite events attracting entries not only from among the best crews in this country but also from overseas clubs preparing for Henley.
Marlow is one of the few Thames regattas which retains the traditional festivities and garden party atmosphere. The town is bedecked with flags and bunting for the occasion, there is a large fun fair in the park adjoining the Regatta Enclosure and in the evening there is a magnificent firework display and a procession of illuminated boats on the river. Marlow Regatta is a splendid mid-summer day out for the whole family.
Traditionally taking place on the first Thursday in September at Weedon Park, just North of Aylesbury, the Show is still the best One Day Agricultural Show in the country.
With attractions including a Military Band, The Cossack Horsemen, Sheep Show, Cattle Show, Horse Show, Show jumping, Food Hall, Domestic & Horticulture Marquee, Hot Air Balloons, and much more, there is something for people of all ages and interests.
Note for your Diary 2008: 28th August 2008
Silverstone Motor Racing Programme
The Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit is the home of British Motor Sport, hosting fabulous racedays from February to November each year.
Highlights of the annual calendar include the British National Superbike Championships in March, Formula 3 racing in April, the British Touring Car Championships in May, the World Superbikes in June and the highlight of he programme the British Round of the Formula 1 world Championships in July.
Roald Dahl Festival, Aylesbury
The world famous children's author was a Buckinghamshire resident and is commemorated in this annual festival taking place in the Aylesbury Town Centre on the last Saturday of June. The festival includes a parade of giant Catalan models of famous Dahl Characters, street theatre, competitions and a free opening of the Roald Dahl Gallery at the Buckinghamshire County Museum.
In addition a new Roald Dahl museum now open in Dahl's former home town of Great Missenden.
Mayor Making, High Wycombe
The ceremony, in May, surrounding the annual election of the town's new Mayor is unique to High Wycombe and is thought to date back to medieval times. It is not known how the ceremony was ordered originally but there is a direct report from 1678 of a change in procedure arising from the misconduct of a certain dignitary who became very drunk and 'offered affronts to several gentlemen'. The townsfolk were so disgusted by this behaviour that he was stripped of his burgeeship and 'in token thereof it was ordered that the great bell should be rung out in testimony of his misdemeanours'. Therefore the 'old' mayor was tolled-out on the morning of the election of his successor and, on the parade to the Church, the procession was preceded by a drummer who continued to drum the old mayor out.
Following the election of a new Mayor he would be drummed around the market place in procession and the church bells pealed to announce to the town that a new Mayor had been chosen.
In the 'weighing-in' ceremony, the newly elected Mayor, the Charter Trustees, Honorary Burgesses, and the outgoing Mayor are all weighed at the Guildhall in the High Street. As their weight is recorded the Macebearer shouts out the weight, adding the words 'and some more' if the Mayor has gained weight, or 'and no more' if there is a weight loss or it remains the same. The spectators wait for the call and, if the words 'and some more' are heard, the person being weighed is jeered. It is traditionally believed that they have grown fat at the expense of the towns' people. If the words 'and no more' are heard, the crowd cheers and claps. If no weight has been gained, or some lost then they must have been working hard for the good of the town.
Bucks Visual Arts
Bucks Visual Arts, organised by The Visual Images Group (an alliance of over 300 artists who live and work in Buckinghamshire), runs throughout June each year. During this time, participating artists will open their studios to the public, talk about their work, give demonstrations and encourage visitors to 'have a go'. A directory is available of all those taking part to help you plan your studio visits. Directories of participating artists are available from tourist information centres from May each year.
Theatre in the Villages
Theatre in the Villages are touring across Buckinghamshire between September and December each year. The programme brings professional theatre to over 40 village halls and community venues in some of the most beautiful villages in the county. For details of the current programme please visit the community events diary at the top of this section.
Stowe Events Programme
The Stowe Landscape Gardens play host to a vast array of special events throughout the year. Dionne Warwick, Beyonce Knowles, Will Young and David Cassidy were amongst the artists who performed in this spectacular setting over the years. For full details please phone 01280 822850 or their web site.
Buckinham Festival Fortnight
The annual community event for Buckingham and surrounding areas takes place from Saturday 6 to Sunday 22 July. Buckingham Town Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council and many community groups will provide a fortnight of entertainment and activities for the whole community. The event incorporates the Buckingham summer festival and offers everything from comedy and classical music to sports and arts activities.
5th to 20th July 2008
Parklife, Aylesbury
A weekend of free events in Vale Park for the whole family including Proms in the Park. Normally around the first weekend in September.