Chesham Town Council were pleased to be able to support Hats Off Chesham! 2023! by providing funding through our annual Donations Scheme and by providing support for the event from officers and Councillors.
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.
A whole host of artisan stalls provided treats for all the senses from vegan baklava to bespoke millinery.