Melksham’s bumper summer of entertainment!

it’s going to be a summer to remember in Melksham as the town bursts to life with top class music and comedy, festivals, fun days and much more in a jam-packed programme of events.

On offer will be big name entertainment from Jimmy Tarbuck and Jethro, the biggest ever Comic Con, a Queen’s 90th birthday picnic, a Carnival Fun Day to run alongside the Carnival procession, an improved Food and River Festival, the ever popular Party in the Park, Big Band entertainment and a new music festival, Melksham Live! in Bowerhill.

“Phew!” commented mayor, councillor Terri Welch. “It’s quite a line up this year. What a summer it’s going to be!

“We’ve got everything from the old favourites like the Carnival, Food and River Festival and Party in the Park, to big name entertainment from two comedy legends.

“Big summer events in Melksham are always popular and well-attended because people recognise that it is a time to relax and be with their friends. Local people put a lot of effort into organising and running the events and there’s a great deal of community spirit that surrounds them.

“This year I’m especially looking forward to the Party in the Park; I haven’t been for a couple of years for one reason or another so I’m excited to be going back.”

First off, the Mike Smith Big Band will get toes tapping at the Assembly Hall next Saturday 16th April, with proceeds going to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Then a jump to Thursday 2nd June when legendary entertainer Jimmy Tarbuck brings his newest show to the Assembly Hall. ‘Tarby’, as he is known to millions, will be taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane with hugely funny stories ranging from going to school with John Lennon, to playing golf with Bing Crosby.

Next up is the Picnic in the Park on Sunday 12th June to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday. There will be a big free party in King George  V Park from midday to 5pm, with everyone invited to bring their own picnics and celebrate alongside the nation. Full story on page 18.

Iconic comic Jethro will then be returning to the Assembly Hall on Friday 24th June, after selling out his last show in the town. The Cornish stand-up will be bringing more of his trademark nonsensical humour by way of his ‘40 years the Joker’ national tour.

The next day, Saturday 25th June, Melksham Live! will take place on the Bowerhill playing field on Westinghouse Way. The brand new music festival will showcase over 30 local bands in conjunction with Melksham Air Cadets, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with proceeds going to Wiltshire Air Ambulance. More information online at www.melkshamlive.co.uk.

Into July – on Saturday 16th July summertime crowd-pleaser Party in the Park will take place from 1pm to 11pm in King George V Park. Started in 2000, this unmissable day out attracts thousands every year. Full details will be released in due course.

The next weekend, Saturday 23rd July, will see the town centre fill up for the ever popular Melksham Carnival. The procession will start at 6pm and, for the first-time, the Carnival Family Fun Day will run during the afternoon in King George V Park. Details to be announced.

A new look enlarged Melksham Comic Con will take place in the town centre on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August. This year’s instalment of the event, which is enjoying exploding popularity, will have three venues for the first time ever and has a bumper lineup of guests, activities, and things to do and see.

Lastly, though certainly not least, Melksham Food and River Festival will be in King George V Park on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September. The event, which started in its current form last year, saw over 6,000 people descend on the park last year in a barnstorming success of a weekend, with activities for all the family.

Be sure to watch out for your Melksham Independent News for more details about all the above events as the summer draws nearer.

For more things to do and see in and around Melksham, see our What’s On section in every issue.