High Wycombe Town Centre gears up for a bumper calendar of Spring and early Summer Events

A bumper calendar of events and activities is coming to High Wycombe town centre during Spring and early Summer 2023.

From heritage-packed milestones and a Coronation celebration, to the annual Frogfest Festival, Armed Forces fun and a town centre Carnival… the entertainment is endless!

Brought to you by HWBIDCo – the not-for-profit organisation that manages and supports the town centre – the events cover every interest, including history and heritage, food and drink, music, dance and more. Best of all, the events and activities are all FREE to attend.

High Wycombe Vegan Market : Sunday 23rd April 2023, 10.00am to 4.00pm

High Wycombe shoppers will once again be treated to an array of delicious vegan food and eco-friendly goods as Vegan Markets UK makes its return to the town centre. Featuring over 30 stalls, the market will be located in the High Street and include vegan fast food, healthy eats, artisan savouries, sweet bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing and locally made arts and crafts.

Coronation Tea Party : Monday 8th May 2023, 11.00am to 4.00pm

The town will be in for yet another Royal treat as a ‘Coronation Tea Party’ takes place in the town centre, in celebration of the ascension of King Charles III. Hosted in conjunction between HWBIDCo, Wycombe Food Hub & Air Raid Café, there will be tea party treats for all, with a Vintage Pop Up Café under the Guildhall, Coronation-themed games and give-aways, plus live music from swinging singers, The Jivettes.

Mayor Making : Saturday 20th May 2023, 11.00am to 4.00pm (Mayor Weighing from 11.45am)

The traditional Mayor Making ceremony returns to High Wycombe – the only town to still carry out the historical custom. A procession of Council dignitaries, including the Mayor, Mace Bearer and Courtiers will take up their place outside the Guildhall for the ‘Weighing’ spectacle, determining whether the Mayor has been ‘getting fat on the taxes’ or weighs ‘and no more’. Join in the fun and try out the tripod scales, plus there will be a host of other heritage-led activity taking place throughout the day, celebrating High Wycombe’s rich history and past.

Frogfest – 10th Anniversary : Sunday 28th May 2023, 11.00am to 9.00pm

High Wycombe’s annual family festival, Frogfest is heading back to the town centre for its massive 10th Anniversary musical extravaganza, down the High Street / Church Street and Frogmoor. Featuring two live stages and 18 bands, free circus & craft workshops, a land train, local food trucks, craft and gift stalls, face painting, giant games and more… there will be entertainment and give-aways for all the family – it’s an event not to be missed!

Armed Forces Day : Saturday 24th June 2023, 11.00am to 4.00pm

The popular Armed Forces Day celebration makes welcome return to the High Street for a military-themed fun day, featuring vintage vehicles, local Army / Air Force and Cadet groups, fundraising with Royal British Legion, plus live music and entertainment. Swing along to the Polka Dots and join in the military-themed craft activities for a family fun day out.

Desborough Carnival : Saturday 8th July 2023. 11.00am to 4.00pm

Desborough Road will be alive with music, dance and carnival-fever this July 2023 as the exciting events returns to Desborough Road. This year, HWBIDCo have partnered with Wycombe Arts Centre and Aylesbury’s famous WhizzFizzFest to bring even more creativity to the project, with live storytelling sessions, two music stages, street entertainment, food trucks and performances from local organisations including Jackie Palmer Stage School, Blend Choir, Rock Choir and Castle Street Dance.

Melanie Williams, Chief Executive of HWBidCo, said: ‘We’ve got so much planned in High Wycombe town centre in the coming months – it’s an exciting time and there’s a real buzz about everything coming up.

Frogfest will be an amazing celebration having reached its 10th anniversary milestone, plus it’s great being able to promote the heritage of the town through the ‘Mayor Making’ in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office.

We can’t wait to share all these moments with families and residents, and bring new visitors to the town centre to support all our wonderful retailers, restaurants and organisations.‘

*Source of information : Press release from HWBIDCo.