Festivals and Events
Each year Thame plays host to a varied selection of community events and celebrations, from fun-filled festivals to traditional market days – there is always something going on. As well as these annual events, all other community events are listed on our website events calendar.
Annual Town Meeting
21st March 2023
A meeting of the town electors and provides an opportunity to celebrate local activities and debate current issues.
Spring Market
2023 date TBC (usually March)
A vibrant display of food and drink, produce and goods on sale in this 3-day market around Thame Town Hall.
Thame Country Fair
2023 date TBC (usually April)
This event is Oxfordshire’s leading Country Show offering all the best in countryside activities & entertainment, and an unbeatable family day out.
World Village Market
2023 date TBC (usually April)
Showcasing products from around the world with plenty of international hot food and beverage stalls.
Music in the Park
30th April 2023
Thame’s longest running music festival, offering a fantastic line-up of live music across 3 stages featuring everything from country to dance music, bands to acoustic solo acts. Held in Elms Park it is a fabulous family event, with great food and kids activities.
Coronation of King Charles III
6th May 2023
Details to be confirmed.
Taste of Thame
27th May 2023
Celebrating town centre food businesses and local producers. With opportunities to discover and taste some incredible food and drink, take part in food related workshops and meet local artisan food and drink producers.
Thame Carnival
Saturday 17th June 2022
The town centre streets will be lined with people watching the ‘Queens Jubilee’ themed procession of floats that travel from Elms Park to Southern Road Recreation Ground, culminating in a traditional summer fete.
Duck Race
2023 date TBC (usually the day after Carnival)
Captain Ducky and his pirate crew will take to the water in their not-so-seaworthy boats, to accompany the 2,000 ducks that take part in this annual extravaganza that starts from the bridge on the Old Long Crendon Road.
Thame History Fair
2023 TBC
A range of historical organisations will be represented at this brand new event that aims to be a celebration of Thame’s past. Why not pop along to find out about Thame’s long history? On the evening before, you can enjoy the concert “Frolics of Oxfordshire” by the Oxford Waits.
CPM Thame 10k
2023 Date TBC
Whether you are a club runner looking to improve your PB or a fun runner, this is one for you. This circular race navigates playing fields, Thame’s historic town centre and the traffic-free Phoenix Trail.
Thame Town Music Festival
2023 – cancelled
A brilliant event which celebrates live, multi-genre music across multiple venues in the centre of Thame. Aimed at promoting live original music with performances from new and established musicians. Entry is free.
Town Awards
Thursday 20th July 2023
Set up to recognise, thank and celebrate people all around Thame who help their neighbours, support local groups or go out of their way for others in their community. Nominations will open in Spring.
Towersey Fringe
26th – 27th August 2023
Comedy, fantastic bands, delicious food, a well-stocked bar, entertainment for the children, and a retail village.
Market Community Fun Day
2023 date TBC (usually August)
Each year the Charter Market hosts a day of fun activities for kids and adults alike, and the opportunity to find out more about charities and organisations that serve Thame.
Volunteer Fair
2023 TBC
Discover volunteering opportunities in Thame at this new event.
September Street Fair
2023 date TBC
Don’t miss this spectacular annual fun fair! Thame’s High Street is transformed into a mini theme park with everything from massive fairground theme park-like rides to halls of mirrors and hook a duck stalls.
Thame Food Festival
30th September – 1st October 2023
Held at Thame Showground, this festival features over 120 artisan food producers and stalls alongside demonstrations from many leading chefs and bakers including Master Chef and Great British Bake Off stars plus masterclasses and workshops. With children’s activities, a fun dog show and live music – there’s something to appeal to the whole family.
October Charter Fair
2023 Date TBC
A smaller fair than the one held in September, taking over just the Upper High Street car park with rides, bumper cars and candy floss.
French Market
2023 Date TBC
Stall holders travel to Thame from France selling a range of local crafts, hot food, soaps, and more.
Thame Art Crawl
2023 Date TBC (usually mid-October)
A pop-up art exhibition in the windows of Thame town centre businesses, with an exciting display of artistic talent from professional to up-and-coming artists.
Thame Arts & Literature Festival
2023 Date TBC (usually mid-October)
An inclusive, community-driven arts and literature festival.
Thame Fireworks Display
2023 Date TBC
An impressive annual community fireworks display, raising funds for the PTFAs of the three local Thame primary schools.
Thame Charities Fair
2023 Date TBC
Promoting and showcasing Thame’s charities.
Service of Remembrance
12th November 2023
Thame’s Service of Remembrance starts from Thame Town Hall and then parades to the Memorial Gardens for a short service.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Friday 2 December 2022
Christmas in Thame begins with the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.
AgriSocial’s Charity Tractor Run
18th December 2022
An annual event that features hundreds of agricultural vehicles driving through Thame to raise funds for charity.
Carols Around the Tree
24th December 2022
Sing your socks off around the Christmas tree outside the Town Hall, whilst enjoying mulled wine and mince pies.