Mortimer's biggest ever celebration
The parish council, Mortimer Music Live and a cast of volunteers treated our village to a top-drawer varied two-day celebration of Her Majesty’s 70-year reign that will live long in memories.
After Thursday’s nationally co-ordinated beacon lighting, switched on by parish council chairman Mike Dennett, Friday brought us a witty and very engaging cabaret “Moulin Mortimer”, followed by a specially tailored set by local music producer and DJ James Carter.
Saturday heralded the biggest and most varied street procession a village could imagine, as the Reading Scottish Pipe Band led the scouts, other local groups and vehicles ranging from classic Mini Coopers to a Sherman tank around the village.
Children’s tug of war and other family entertainment followed on the fairground as Argo Jazz entertained by the beer tent.
At 3pm, we heard the distinctive rumble of the only flying AVRO Lancaster bomber as it appeared on the horizon. It descended breathtakingly low over the fairground before circling and doing it again – twice.
Throughout the afternoon and evening spectators enjoyed diverse bands in a top quality stage production.
The evening ended with a stunningly choreographed firework show. A well-crafted second set by DJ James Carter included an inspired nod to tunes from the 70s from Pink Floyd, Abba, McFadden and Whitehead and more. The show closed at 11.30pm.
The event gave a chance for families and friends to catch up and was a tribute to the organisers, helpers and performers.
