The town’s Three Kings Parade marks a turning point in the year for many people in the town.
Businesses are now fully engaged at warp speed through to Christmas, Black Friday/Cyber Monday is just around the corner, Limited Free Parking is available in the town’s Car Parks, and Christmas Parties and “bad” jumpers are aplenty.
At The Civic, we are no different as we prep the venue for the day of the parade itself and the hall plays host to the Craft Fayre and the Bar is open.
This year, once again, saw the hall packed throughout and its fantastic to see the Three Kings Events so well supported.
However, Three Kings is also another milestone for The Civic each year.
It marks a Civic anniversary!
13 Years Ago…
We promoted our very first ticketed event – Fairgame Theatre’s ARABIAN NIGHTS – which was promoted under the, then, Shindig Rural Touring Scheme (now known as Live&Local).
The event took place on the 24th November 2011 and we sold around 100 tickets.
The company performed on the floor in front of the raked seating, presenting the stories of Scheherazade with live musical accompaniment.
It was well received by those present and we even had a review in the local paper!
The following night we hosted the first Craft Fayre as part of The Three Kings Parade.
The brainchild of two of our founding members.
The inspiration behind the event was powered by the fact that people used to come and sing a couple of carols watch someone press a button and then go home. By adding a Craft Fayre it was hoped that people would stick around a bit longer and feel like they were part of the community.
The Craft Fayre has gone on to be a welcome addition to the night.
Over the years we have had Carol Singing, Santa’s Grottos, Live Music, Mulled Wine, Scouts selling Burgers to fundraise for trips and kit, visiting dignitaries, and more as part of the night. A few years ago we added the Christmas Tree Exhibition to the festivities supported by local businesses and organisations.
As this anniversary passes, we are once again reminded of our connection to the community.
We continue to present a combination of community events, alongside our own ticketed events and those from hirers (we may have had Stourport Brass Band in the following day 13 years ago but we can’t find a poster to be certain – but they are back with us in a few weeks time).
This balance has allowed us to grow and develop and has not only entertained audiences and visitors but also contributes to the community around us.
We’re grateful for the support and the countless memories made here and we look forward to welcoming you to your next memory.
The civic stourport