The idea of the Buckingham Christmas Parade was conceived in 1984 by Rosemary Heywood, a local children’s shop owner. At Christmas, her shop always hosted Santa Claus. One year, Rosemary decided to put Santa on a sleigh and take him through the main street. Local Girl Guides heard of the event and made floats, and a Scout band was brought all the way from Bristol.
Rosemary organized the first parade with the help of her husband Steve and community members. The inaugural event attracted hundreds of spectators. However, Rosemary and Steve decided not to organize the parade next year because it was too much work. They were practically forced into renewing the Buckingham Christmas Parade in 1986.
Thanks to fundraising events and sponsors, the organizers were able to invite professional bands and artists, so the parade began to grow and draw larger crowds every year. This went on throughout the 80s, but the recession of the late 80s and early 90s put the event in jeopardy. Due to financial struggles, many sponsors were unable to support the parade any more.
Finally, the organizers announced that they would terminate the event. The Town Council stepped in and said that they will fund the parade as long as the organizers would continue. Since then, the Buckingham Christmas Parade has been a major event which the townspeople look forward to each year.
The Buckingham Christmas Parade is a daytime parade that starts around 11 am and circles the town. It is preceded by entertainment in the town center. The parade features several dozen colorful floats, musicians, majorettes, horseback stunt performers, and more. It includes tree exciting competitions: Best Dressed Shop, Best Dressed Float and Best Dressed Walking Group. All winners receive cash prizes.
Photo: James Daley
