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.
In 2022 we have a range of special events taking place around the time of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Some of these are specifically focused on celebrating this milestone, others are more general community events. Find out more on our dedicated page
Annual Town Meeting
22nd March 2022
A meeting of the town electors and provides an opportunity to celebrate local activities and debate current issues.
Spring Market
25th – 27th March 2022
A vibrant display of food and drink, produce and goods on sale in this 3-day market around Thame Town Hall.
Thame Country Fair
17th – 18th April 2022
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
22nd – 24th April 2022
Showcasing products from around the world with plenty of international hot food and beverage stalls.
Music in the Park
1st May 2022
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.
Freedom Parade
15th May 2022
RAF Halton will be exercising their ‘Freedom to march through the town with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and Colours flying’.
Taste of Thame
28th May 2022
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 4th 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
Sunday 5th June 2022
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
Sunday 19th June 2022
A range of historical organisations will be represented at this brand new event. Why not pop along to find out about Thame’s long history.
CPM Thame 10k
Sunday 26th June 2022
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
Saturday 9th July 2022
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 14th July 2022
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
27th – 28th August 2022
Comedy, fantastic bands, delicious food, a well-stocked bar, entertainment for the children, and a retail village.
Market Community Fun Day
30th August 2022
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
7th September 2022
Discover volunteering opportunities in Thame at this new event.
September Street Fair
15th – 17th September 2022
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
24th-25th September 2022
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
7th – 8th October 2022
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
7th – 9th October 2022
Stall holders travel to Thame from France selling a range of local crafts, hot food, soaps, and more.
Thame Art Crawl
10th – 16th October 2022
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
The festival is usually held in mid-October over several days, however the organisers have confirmed the 2022 TAL event will not be going ahead.
Thame Fireworks Display
Saturday 5th November 2022
An impressive annual community fireworks display, raising funds for the PTFAs of the three local Thame primary schools.
Thame Charities Fair
5th November 2022
Promoting and showcasing Thame’s charities.
Service of Remembrance
13th November 2022
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.