With the countdown to Christmas now in full swing, there are events galore taking place.
We’ve rounded up six things for you to enjoy for for our first weekly newsletter.
But there is more on our website, including food reviews, a look at The Hexagon pantomime Cinderella, and previews galore.
Log on to cheeselogs.co.uk for regular updates!
Six things #1: Enjoy some poetry at South Street
The monthly visit of Reading’s Poets Café returns to South Street Arts Centre on Friday, December 13.
Susie Campbell will be the guest poet. She has compiled several collections of her poetry, the most recent being The Sleeping Place.
The event includes an open mic section so budding poets can share their works in progress. Doors open at 8pm, with the verse starting at 8.30pm.
Entry is £5, or £4 for performers.
For details, or to book, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street/whats-on/poets-cafe-2024
Six things #2:Christmas craft fayres
For those looking for unusual and unique Christmas presents, visiting craft fayres will a must.
There are two taking place on Saturday, December 14.
Head to The Cunning Man pub on Burghfield Bridge, for their event based on German Christmas markets. Stallholders are local businesses.
Doors open at 9am and continue through to the afternoon, and the pub will be serving drinks throughout the day. Entry is free.
Caversham Methodist Church Hall is the venue for a Christmas Artists and Makers Fair running from 10am.
More than 35 stalls are promised and the Lobby Café will be open serving homemade cakes. Hot drinks will also be on offer. The dog friendly event will include treats for four-legged friends.
Six things #3:Victorian Father Christmas Winter Grotto
If you want to roll back the years and enjoy Christmas as it used to be this is the opportunity for you to do just that, thanks to Reading Museum.
On Saturday, December 14, the venue is holding a special day dedicated to life 150ish years ago.
Activities include a make and take craft activity, a chance to write a letter to Santa, and then pop in and see the big man himself. He has a few early presents to hand out to good boys and girls.
Places must be booked and cost £5.50 per child. Accompanying adults get in free.
For full details including how to book, log on to: https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/
Six things #4: A Very Street Food Christmas
Blue Collar Corner has revitalised Hosier Street, and created a destination for foodies everywhere.
So it’s no surprise they are launching a festive feast.
On Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, they are teaming up with the British Street Food Awards to host a bumper celebration event.
The pop-up food stalls will feature some of the best street food from across the country, and there will be some Christmas-themed dishes as well as favourites.
Add in to that mulled wine and cider, winter cocktails, craft beer, buttered rum and a visit from Santa, and you’ve got the makings of a fun weekend. DJ sets will add to the event.
Entry is free, and tables can be booked.
For more details, log on to: https://bluecollarstreetfood.co.uk/
Six things #5: Choral concerts to celebrate Christmas
There are three concerts taking place on Saturday, December 14, one of which is in a brewery.
The Twyford Singers will be in St Mary’s Church in the village where they will perform at the early time of 4pm.
Their programme is seasonal music traditional and new, with carols that the audience can join in with. Tickets cost £15 plus a booking fee, and £5 for under 18s.
For more details, log on to: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/station-road/st-mary-s-church-twyford/twyford-singers-christmas-concert-2024/2024-12-14/16:00/t-yayyrdz
Vocalese Choir is a community group for anyone aged 16 upwards who want to sing.
They will perform a mixture of pop, rock, ballads, showtunes, barbershop…
Starting at 7pm, they will be Double-Barrelled Brewery in Stadium Way, Tilehurst.
Tables can be booked for this fun evening: https://double-barrelled-brewery-1664551479.resos.com/booking
South Chiltern Choral Society’s Christmas concert is called A Light In The Stable, and takes place from 7.30pm at Queen Anne’s School in Caversham.
The titular piece is by Alan Bullard, the choir’s president, and tells the Christmas story through well-known carols and original settings.
Audiences can join in with carols and other festive songs.
Tickets cost £16, £5 for under 18s and free for under 11s.
Six things #6: Get the Jukebox flowing
A charity gig in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance is taking place at The Face Bar on Saturday, December 14.
Mr Grey’s Jailhouse Jukebox is a band that play music from across the decades. They say by playing music from Elvis Presley to The Rolling Stones, from Tina Turner to Queen, and from the Beatles to The Killers, their eclectic songbook has something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard classic rock aficionado or a modern chart-topper enthusiast.
It takes place at The Face Bar in Chatham Street. The music starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £5 on the door.
For more details, or to book, log on to: https://tickets.ents24.com/event/tickets/eventid/3167446?inf=e5f4a6ba1e529685
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