Follow the ‘Top hat trail’ for a lantern-lit, Dickensian Christmas

THAME’S Christmas celebrations this year will see the town’s  first lantern parade  as part of  Thame’s commemoration to the 170th anniversary of Dickens’  ‘A Christmas Carol’. Dickensian London is coming to the streets of Thame on December 6, 2013,  from 3.30 pm,  and the children of  Barley Hill, John Hampden and St Joseph’s Primary Schools will parade around the town centre with their individually made lanterns creating no doubt a truly spectacular sight . 

Ice-skating ring, Christmas, Thame 2012

There will be a host of local and regional artists and makers selling original gifts, perfect for filling those stockings as well as numerous food stalls selling everything from traditional Christmas puds to speciality sausages. To keep out the winter chill, mulled wine, hot chocolate and hog roast sandwiches will be for sale. 

Everyone is encouraged to dress up in the Dickensian theme and as well top hats and flat caps, dancing shoes will be highly recommended as the band, Ska Souls, late of Music In The Park, will be entertaining the crowds, adding to the party mood. There will also be carols from the local school children, appearances from Thame Players and Stagecoach Theatre School, plus music from the Thame Concert Band and the Thame Chamber Choir.

To get the Christmas spirit flowing,  a Top Hat Trail for children and families will run from November 15, tempting them to try and spot all 28 Dickens Top Hats that will be hidden in the windows of the local shops along High Street, Cornmarket, Butter Market, Swan Walk, Greyhound Walk, Upper High Street and North Street. 

More details of Thame’s Dickensian Christmas coming soon.