What’s On
There are too many events and festivals throughout the year to list them all, but the selection below illustrates the variety on offer.
Chippenham Pancake Race takes place every Shrove Tuesday in the centre of town.
Held annually on the May bank holiday, Chippenham Folk Festival is one of the largest folk festivals in Europe. The many indoor and outdoor gigs are matched by a brilliant festive atmosphere in the streets. Chippenham River Festival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend. Saturday features Dragon Boat racing, while Sunday’s activity involves canoes, swimmers and duck races, backed by great bands and a hog-roast before a suitable finale. The Chippenham Beer Festival is organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and takes place in The Olympiad over a Friday evening and all day Saturday at the end of April. Chippenham half marathon in September was set up to celebrate Chippenham Harriers’ 25th anniversary and looks set to become an annual event.
The adjacent villages of Sutton Benger and Christian Malford put on brilliant bonfire and firework displays on consecutive weekends in November.
Kington Langley Scarecrow Festival in May, when villagers build scarecrows in their gardens illustrating an annual theme.
