Buckingham Fringe Week is in full swing, bringing communities back together to celebrate Buckingham’s art, heritage, and culture. There was a whole host of free activities on offer over the weekend including street market entertainment, a skate park event, an art trail, and a family fun day.
Amid the hustle and bustle of excited shoppers at both Saturday street markets, the classical sound of St Mary and St Giles Church band and visually stunning stilt walkers kept residents and visitors to town thoroughly entertained. Russell Cross, Buckingham Town Council Market Manager said “It was a busy day in town. Every trader delighted and so much positive feedback from the public. An incredibly special day and unbelievable atmosphere”.
At 12 noon on Saturday young people turned out in their droves for the skate park event. Hosted by King Ramps, the UK’s leading wheeled sports event company, children and young people were able to take part in workshops for skateboarding, BMXing, and scooters. There were demos by professional skateboarders and BMX riders. The day finished with a skateboard/BMX/scooter community jam (competitions). Prizes were awarded to the winners.
A new treasure hunt-style art trail designed by local artist Cathy Read also went live on Saturday. Those taking part have a chance to win one of Read’s stunning paintings. The trail runs throughout summer, you can pick up a printed trail map from Buckingham Tourist Information Centre or download one from her website: cathyreadart.com. All of the paintings on the trail are inspired by architecture around Buckingham and the surrounding villages.
Sunday saw around 500 people visit the Lace Hill Sports & Community Centre for the annual Family Fun Day event. There was something for everyone including traditional games, inflatables, craft market stalls, live music and dance performances and water games to keep cool in the sun. Families especially enjoyed meeting a young team of volunteers from the Buckingham St John Ambulance Cadet Unit who took centre stage with tours of a first aid vehicle and a demonstration of lifesaving skills.
The Fringe Week Fun continues this week with a free Augmented Reality Trail, a Tour of St Peter & St Paul’s Church, a pop-up art event, more market entertainment and a Music Festival. Details about these events can be found on the Town Council’s website and social media pages.
Councillor Robin Stuchbury, chair of the Town Centre and Events committee said “It has been rewarding to have such a high turnout at all the events and see residents enjoy the free entertainment and activities that the Buckingham Fringe Festival provides our community”.
