Everybody had a Whizzy Fizzytastic time at the free, fun festival Hats Off Chesham! 2023!
Thousands and thousands turned out to celebrate and show off their hats, undaunted by the interesting weather!
Visitors from far and wide enjoyed a trike-riding magician, giant bubbles they could stand in, a comedy escapologist who drew huge crowds, a juggling unicyclist and a fun photo booth giving them googly-eyes and comedy moustaches. The Main stage and seating gave the opportunity to watch local bands, have a dance – not easy in a giant cardboard hat – and enjoy a drink from a local brewery. The Friendship Stage gave theatre companies, choirs and dancers a space to show off their talents to the watching crowds.
Children (and some parents) had a great time getting stuck into sand art, styling elaborate hats, creating friendship medals and dolls, making monsters from recycling, and having their faces painted.
The Roald Dahl storytellers found a home inside Chapter Two, the bookshop of the event’s chosen charity The Hospice of St Francis, and delighted with stories, whilst there was interactive theatre with Cue 34’s Friendship tent starring Penny and Patch. And Chesham Museum taught the traditional art of straw-plaiting, an old Chesham cottage industry.
Plus a whole host of artisan stalls provided treats for all the senses from vegan baklava to bespoke millinery.
We would like to thank Buckinghamshire Council’s Whizzfizzfest for bringing a host of creativity and art to the festival. Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: “Buckinghamshire Council was delighted to be involved in bringing fantastic free entertainment to the Hats Off Chesham! event last weekend, bringing our travelling WhizzFizzFest celebrations to a close for this year. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the event in Chesham and we have been pleased to be able to work with partners to spread the joy and creativity of WhizzFizz to so many people across Buckinghamshire this summer.”
Huge thanks also got to Lennons Solicitors and Potter and Ford and all the other sponsors for their support.
‘What a brilliant event – huge congratulations on making it all happen’ – The Hospice of St Francis
‘Thanks to … all the team at Chesham Connect and all the businesses and residents who supported our town to make Hats Off Chesham! a success.’ – Wilford Augustus, Mayor of Chesham
‘I had a great time meeting so many fun party people at Hats Off Chesham!’ – DJ Dan Blaze
‘It was a brilliant day… and a real benefit for our shop. A huge thank you to you all.‘ – JPS Stationers