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Newbury Youth Theatre Takes Edinburgh by Storm! 🎭
Good Afternoon, Newbury! ☀️
Welcome to your go-to guide for all things Newbury! This newsletter is packed with the latest news, upcoming community events, fascinating facts about our town, and much more. Let’s dive in and explore what’s happening in our vibrant community.
– Urbanova
Table of Contents
Newbury Youth Theatre Takes Edinburgh by Storm! 🎭

Newbury Youth Theatre just pulled off a major win at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, making their 26th year a knockout. They transformed a historic church into a stage at Paradise in Augustines, going head-to-head with nearly 4,000 other acts from across the globe.
Their show, The Fantastical World of My Uncle Arly, inspired by Edward Lear, was a hit, with the cast working the Royal Mile like pros, flyering their way to a packed house. Reviewer Rebecca Vines from Broadway Baby praised their creative blend of physical theatre, puppetry, and live music, calling it a "cleverly-devised and intriguing piece."
Living the dream, the troupe stayed in en-suite digs at Queen Margaret University, making the most of every moment in the festival frenzy. Edinburgh's chaotic magic just got a taste of Newbury's best.
Meteor Shower Incoming! ☄️

The Perseid meteor shower dazzled skywatchers last night, with fragments from Comet Swift-Tuttle lighting up the skies in a stunning display. Peaking on August 12-13, the event showcased up to 100 meteors per hour as they burned up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere.
But the meteors weren’t the only spectacle. Those in northern regions were treated to an extra surprise—the northern lights. The auroras added a vibrant backdrop to the meteors, creating a celestial double feature that left viewers in awe. Clear skies away from city lights provided the perfect stage, with glowing meteor trails and shimmering auroras making it a night to remember. For both seasoned astronomers and curious onlookers, last night’s sky was nothing short of magical.
What Went Down 🎉
Retrofestival Rewinds Time with Rockin' Hits and Vintage Vibes at Newbury Showground

The Retrofestival just wrapped up at Newbury Showground, and it was a blast from the past—literally. From August 9-11, thousands soaked up the sun while jiving to rock ‘n’ roll, swing, and ska across three stages. The showground was packed with over 1,000 vintage vehicles, including everything from classic scooters to military gear, with crowd-favorite ‘Finny’ showing off his custom-built 1929 Model A Ford.
The event wasn't just about the music—there were more than 100 stalls selling everything vintage, from clothes to antique trinkets. Visitors also enjoyed throwback activities like Punch and Judy shows and vintage tea served in retro crockery. The festival’s mix of nostalgia and good vibes made it a perfect weekend for those looking to time-travel without leaving Berkshire. If you missed it, tickets for next year are already on sale.
What’s Up? 🎉
Get Ready for a Thrilling Day at BetVictor Hungerford Day!
Attention, racing enthusiasts and music fans alike! Newbury Racecourse is set to deliver an unforgettable experience with BetVictor Hungerford Day. Expect the pulse-pounding excitement of horse racing, followed by a live performance that will get you on your feet—none other than the iconic Dizzee Rascal!
This event combines the thrill of the track with the energy of live music, making it the ultimate day out. Whether you're there for the races or just for the tunes, it promises to be a high-octane affair that will have you buzzing long after the day is done.
Details:
What: BetVictor Hungerford Day
Who: Enjoy a day at the races followed by Dizzee Rascal live in concert!
Why: An epic blend of sport and music, perfect for thrill-seekers and music lovers.
When: August 17th, 2024
Where: Newbury Racecourse (https://shorturl.at/VUs8P)
Get ready for a day at the races where you can "fix up, look sharp" because Dizzee Rascal is set to bring the house down after the final race. This BetVictor Hungerford Day is going to be bonkers—don’t miss out on the action! 🎤🏇

Other Events 📅
Event Name | Date and Time | Event Url | Event Location |
---|---|---|---|
Summer of Fun 2024 | Every Wednesday, 10am to 2pm | Fieldgate Drive, RG20 5SQ Kingsclere | |
Family Activity Day | Wed 14/08, 10am to 3pm | Shaw House | |
Newbury’s Affordable PK Pop-Up | Sat 17/08, 10am to 5pm | St Nicholas Newbury | |
Summer Fun at Bishops Green Village Hall | Thu 15/08, 11am to 3pm | Bishops Green Community Association and Village Hall |
Featured Local Services🛠️
Keep it local and use businesses that call Newbury home. Every week, we will feature local services that are highly rated and trustworthy.
Photography - The Captured Moments Co. - Creating timeless photos whether it's for your Weddings, Family albums or Event. I can help create them all! - 07808650562 - Website Link
Plumbing - DGC Plumbing - Berkshire based plumber, providing a quality and professional service - [email protected] - Website Link
Tree Services - Witham Tree Services - A local Berkshire family owned and operated Tree Surgeon, with over 18 years’ experience in felling, maintenance and general tree care. - [email protected] - Website Link
If you wish to recommend a business to be featured here, please contact us at [email protected].
Tidbits💡
Cultural Corner: Did you know that Newbury’s Corn Exchange regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring local and international artists? These showcases offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse art forms right in the heart of Newbury. Plus, many exhibitions are free to the public, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
Local Flavor: The Newbury Artisan Market, held monthly, is a treasure trove of locally produced goods. From homemade jams and cheeses to hand-crafted jewelry and home decor, it's a great spot to support local artisans while indulging in some unique finds.
Historical Highlight: Donnington Castle, just north of Newbury, is steeped in history. Built in the late 14th century, this ruined medieval castle played a significant role during the English Civil War. Today, it offers stunning views over the Berkshire countryside and is a popular spot for picnics and photography.
Green Spaces: Victoria Park, often referred to as the "Green Heart of Newbury," is not just a place for a leisurely stroll. It’s home to the Newbury Bandstand, where you can enjoy live music on summer weekends, and the Boating Lake, perfect for a relaxing paddle.
Weather ☁️
Tuesday: 16°C - 30°C, Bright and sunny with a few clouds drifting in by evening.
Wednesday: 17°C - 29°C, Sunny with occasional clouds, perfect for outdoor activities.
Thursday: 15°C - 27°C, Mostly sunny with mild temperatures throughout the day.
Friday: 14°C - 25°C, Morning sunshine giving way to cloud cover by the afternoon.
Saturday: 13°C - 20°C, Expect a damp start with drizzle, clearing to cloudy skies by midday.
Job Board 🧑💻️
For those interested in finding jobs in and around Newbury, we will provide some featured jobs on a weekly basis.
Industrial Cleaner
Company: Adecco
Location: Newbury
Details: Temp to perm position with a salary of £11.44 per hour.
Recruitment Administrator
Company: Adecco
Location: Newbury
Details: Permanent full-time position with a salary range of £25,000 to £27,000 per annum.
Warehouse Operative
Company: Pertemps
Location: Basingstoke
Details: Full-time permanent position with a salary of £26,450 per annum.
Customer Service Advisor
Company: Pertemps
Location: Basingstoke
Details: Full-time permanent position with a salary range of £12.50 to £13.50 per hour.
Learning Support Assistant
Company: Academics
Location: Newbury
Details: Full-time contract position with a daily rate of £80.00 to £90.
Vehicle Technician
Company: Octane Recruitment
Location: Abingdon
Details: Full-time permanent position with a salary range of up to £49,842 + bonus, overtime and company benefits
Marketing & Sales Administrator
Company: Adecco
Location: North of Newbury
Details: Permanent full-time position with a salary range of £23,500 to £26,500 per year.
Italian Speaking Customer Service/Admin Assistant
Company: Adecco
Location: Newbury
Details: Temporary position with a salary of £13.50 per hour.
Link: Adecco Italian Speaking Customer Service/Admin Assistant
Thanks for Reading!
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