Wash Common Community Festival enjoys late summer sunshine

| Updated: 08:10, 30 September 2026

On a perfect late summer afternoon, Falkland Cricket Club opened its grounds on Saturday for the Wash Common Community Festival.

The weather certainly encouraged people to come and enjoy an afternoon of live music, classic cars, food and community events.

There was live music throughout the afternoon, with the two band tents ensuring a quicker hand over between sets.

East Woodhay Silver Band started the musical proceedings.

They were followed by The Unwashed Commoners, Newbury Ukulele Band and finally Spare Heads, who provided a range of popular rock and roll numbers to the appreciate audience.

Kennet Radio was also present, keeping the music flowing in between set changes.

On the cricket field, 45 community and charity groups, craft sellers and food outlets had set up their stalls, fundraising and allowing people to understand more about their activities as well as selling a range of products from local honey to lampshades and crochet toys.

Pikemen dressed in Civil War costume from the Battlefields Trust mingled with Ramblers, lacrosse players and Friends of the Earth.

Newbury mayor Jo Day, together with her attendant Garry Poulson and the MP for West Berkshire Lee Dillon, toured the festival, speaking with stall holders and members of the public.

Classic cars ranging from pre-war vehicles to more recent models such as MGs and a Triumph sports car were on display in the car park.

The pétanque court featured various boules matches during the afternoon, encouraging people to take up the sport.

Younger children were kept busy on a free-to-use bouncy castle and slide, giving their parents some welcome relief.

The Wash Common Garden & Crafts Show, taking place in the cricket pavilion, saw a significant increase in the number of entries this year, with many new people entering for the first time.

Despite it being a very challenging year for gardeners due to the successive heatwaves and lack of rain, the Garden Produce section had a record number of entries.

A newcomer to the show, Stephen Piper, won the David Church Cup for the Garden Produce section, while in the Baking and Preserves section Susan Wright emerged as the overall winner and held on to the Millenium Shield.

The quality and range of exhibits in the Craft section was outstanding and showcased the talents of the entrants, with Abi Ridgwell deservedly winning the RJ Anderson trophy.

There was a tussle between Janet Anderson and Louise Peters in the flower arranging section, with Janet Anderson eventually being the winner.

Peter Wright won the Wash Common Shield in the art and photography section and also won the Mary Taylor Cup for the most points in the show.

The Barnes Cup for the Junior section was hotly contested between Anna Tin and Francesca Holland, with Francesca winning by one point.

There was consolation for Anna as she won the Jean Bate Cup, along with her parents Ellie and Jim, for the family with the most points in the show.