July 06 2008
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Background to the Welshpool Winter FestivalThe first Winter Festivals were introduced by the then Welshpool Partnership as part of its regeneration of the town, however, it was felt that the format needed changing and to give the event strength and wider appeal it needed to have a theme. Sadly due to a lack of funding no festival was held in 2003. In 2004 Alan Crowe and Freda Davies made it their mission to stage a Winter Festival believing that if one wasn’t held then it would never be held again. After much hard work in fundraising and convincing people that they could deliver the event on Saturday 4th December the whole of Welshpool was put in a time warp back to the 1940s. See archive pages. An AGM was called in February 2004 and a small committee set up to organise the next event. The 2004 Welshpool Winter Festival had a 1940s Theme when the whole of the town centre was put back in a time warp. Attractions included – over 50 business premises decorated to theme, over 300 re-enactors dressed in allied & enemy military uniforms plus civilians etc. Local children became evacuees, George Formby & Vera Lynn Tribute singers, Workers Playtime with Newtown Silver Band, 1940s military and civilian vehicles, Dig for Victory garden by local horticultural society, exhibition on life during the 40s in museum, photographic & memorabilia displays, special guests on the day were Ken Rees and Jimmy James 2 survivors of the “Great Escape”. A battle re-enactment took place on the canal with enemy paratroopers holding the lock and allied forces attacking from the tow path and a canal barge. A mock 40s style was also held, plus craft stalls and local charities promoted themselves at a charity fair. The local pigeon society displayed the role played by the pigeon in the war. The day ended with a Blitz Ball featuring a 9 piece Glenn Miller Style Band and a 40s disco. A DVD of the event is now available. As a result of the success of the event the committee were asked to recreate it in August 2005 as part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations of VE / VJ Day. Master of ceremonies for both events was Welshpool based entertainer Ala Cra. An AGM was called in March 2005 and a committee formed to organise the 2005 Winter Festival. The theme was chosen to be the 1950/60s under the banner “A Rock n Roll Christmas”. Attractions included: Shop windows dressed to theme, post war life exhibition in museum, locals & visitors dressed in period costume ie Teddy Boys etc. A record fair was held with radio presenter Chris Savory offering a record valuation service. An exhibition about the pirate radios was held along with a photographic display of the town and its residents in the 50/60s. Tribute singers entertained on the street portraying Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard, Eddie Cochran and Billy Fury. The Bachelors and Wee Willie Harris also entertained on the street. Entertaining both adults and children alike were 2 stilt walkers dressed as Teddy Boys with PA speakers playing music built into their stilts. Live band The Shakers from Liverpool played in Puzzle Square. Star guests included Billie Davis, Ricky Valance, John Leyton, Clem Cattini, Chas McDevitt, Jess Conrad, Craig Douglas, King Size Taylor, Dave Lodge. A dance in the evening featured The Rapiers with special guests Jet Harris & Mike Berry, The Fourmost, Union Gap. Compere throughout the day and evening was Welshpool entertainer and revivalist DJ Ala Cra. A DVD of the whole event is now available. The 2006 Welshpool Winter Festival took place on Saturday 2nd December when the theme wasbe TELEVISION & FILMS. Again, another star studded event had something for every member of the family. The 2007 event will be a CHRISTMAS MARKET on 1st December. |
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