West Berkshire’s community calendar is offering something for most ages this week, from a family-friendly art trail at Shaw House to brass band concerts in Victoria Park and a repair café in Thatcham. Organisers continue to invite submissions for free listings.
Highlights across the week
Shaw House in Newbury is running an Art Adventure Trail every day throughout the school summer holiday. The trail guides younger visitors through the grounds with artistic prompts and supplies the chance to produce drawings to take away; it is designed primarily for children aged 3–8 but welcomes younger and older participants. The trail runs from 10:00 to 18:00, is free to drop in with a suggested donation of £2, and is included in the Family Activity Day pricing on event days.
Music lovers can hear local bands at bandstands around the district. The Victoria Park Bandstand in Newbury will host Sandhurst Silver Band on Saturday and East Woodhay Silver Band on Sunday, with performances from 15:00 to 17:00 on both days. On Friday evening the Rokkits will play at the Royal British Legion in Pelican Lane, Newbury, from 20:00 to 23:00 (members free; non-members £2).
Practical community activity continues as well. The Newbury and Thatcham Repair Café is taking place at Frank Hutchings Community Hall in Thatcham (RG18 4QH) on Sunday from 14:00 to 16:30, with final check-in at 16:00. Volunteers will attempt repairs on small household items, clothing, toys and textiles; organisers advise checking their Facebook page or the Repair Café network for more details.
Other local events and regular activities
- Woolton Hill & Highclere Summer Market at Thorngrove School — stalls and a tea room, Saturday 10:00–13:00.
- Basildon Summer Evenings movement session led by Yoga Reading — Saturday 18:00–19:00 (booking required via Basildon Park).
- Afternoon teas at St Mary’s Church, Aldworth — every Wednesday in July, August and September, 14:30–16:30.
- St Mary’s Church, Speen, open to visitors every Wednesday until the end of September, 14:00–16:00.
- Fair Close over-65s centre: a programme of games and puzzles and other activities for older residents (details locally).
These events underline the variety of free and low-cost community activities available across the district this week, from cultural outings and live music to repair initiatives and social teas.
"If you are organising a charity or community event and would like to be included in these free listings, please email us details. Tell us the type of event, time, venue, date and contact – report@newburynews.co.uk"
At a glance
| Day | Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily (school holidays) | Art Adventure Trail | 10:00–18:00 | Shaw House, Newbury |
| Friday | Rokkits (band) | 20:00–23:00 | Royal British Legion, Pelican Lane, Newbury |
| Saturday | Woolton Hill & Highclere Market | 10:00–13:00 | Thorngrove School |
| Saturday | Sandhurst Silver Band | 15:00–17:00 | Victoria Park Bandstand |
| Sunday | Newbury & Thatcham Repair Café | 14:00–16:30 | Frank Hutchings Community Hall, Thatcham |
For event organisers: if you run a charity or community activity and want it listed in future round-ups, include the type of event, start and finish times, venue, date and a contact email or phone number when you submit details to the listings address above.
The week’s programme reflects the breadth of local voluntary and cultural life in West Berkshire — from village teas and brass band afternoons to hands-on repair projects — offering residents multiple ways to join in, volunteer or simply enjoy a summer afternoon in the district.
