www.visitaylesbury.co.uk Take a look at Aylesbury’s new website You’ll find everything you need to Index know about Aylesbury town centre including entertainment, events, 2-3 Welcome & history & culture, gigs, places to
Getting Around eat and nightlife. You’ll also find 4-5 Shopping fantastic offers from town centre businesses. 6-7 Markets 10-11 Annual Favourites / www.visitaylesbury.co.uk Regular Free Events 12-13 Festive dates for your Diary: Aylesbury
Welcome to Aylesbury, a bustling Town Centre market town in the heart of the Chilterns. 14 Things To Do Parking information Blending history with the attractions of a Aylesbury has a range of short term and long term car parks 16-17 Event contact details modern town, Aylesbury offers something within and close to the town centre. All AVDC car parks are for everyone – from the Heritage Trail and 18-19 Map, including open 24 hours a day, with the exception of Hampden House regular markets in the historic, cobbled places to eat which closes at 8pm. www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/parking Market Square, to spooky Halloween events 20 Christmas Other parking is available at Friars Square car park, Station for kids and fantastic entertainment at the Opening hours Christmas Lights Switch On. Way, open 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9.30am to 5.30pm on bank holidays. The town centre is host to an amazing programme Aylesbury is well equipped for cycle parking, with over 250 of events and entertainment, making it a truly unique free bike parking spaces in and around the town centre. experience for both residents and visitors. See www.cycleaylesbury.co.uk for details. This guide will tell you what is on and where, as well as giving you details of attractions and shops within the town. Disabled drivers Aylesbury is proud to have achieved Purple Flag status in recognition of the town’s If you display a Blue Badge, you can park free in any of the night time economy, and you will find many opportunities in this guide for entertaining, council’s car park spaces (except for any reserved space, diverse, safe and enjoyable nights out. Shopmobility spaces, Hale Street car park and Walton Street car park). There is a handy map at the back of the guide to help you find your way round, which includes locations of cafes and restaurants if you’re in need of a rest and a re-fuel after Shopmobility is a scheme to allow anyone with a mobility all that shopping and entertainment! problem, whether temporary or permanent, to get out and about in Aylesbury town centre. Manual and powered The importance of the town centre for events and arts has been recognised and wheelchairs, scooters and walking aids can be borrowed documented in the Aylesbury Town Centre Plan, which sets out the vision to grow free of charge. Shopmobility is on the ground floor of the Aylesbury as a centre for the arts. Aylesbury is part way through an exciting multi-million Upper Hundreds car park. Tel: 01296 336725 pound improvement programme. The town centre has seen major change in the last few years with the opening of the Waterside Theatre, a new marina at Circus Fields, as well Online rail and bus information as improvements to Waterside South, Vale Park and public spaces – and there’s plenty www.arrivabus.co.uk more to come. Traveline For further information on what to do in Aylesbury and the improvement programme, www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk take a look at Aylesbury’s new website, which features up-to-date details on events, Black cabs gigs, nightlife plus offers from town centre businesses. 01296 422222 www.visitaylesbury.co.uk 4 5
Shopping Click and Collect The town boasts three main shopping centres, Friars Many shops in Aylesbury offer a click and collect service, where you can Square and Hale Leys, both under cover, and Aylesbury purchase products online and collect them in-store. Stores which offer this Shopping Park. service include: H Samuel, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Topshop, o2, Claire’s, New Look, Blue Inc, House of Fraser, Ernest Jones, River Island, Waterstones, All offer many well-known high street retailers; Superdrug, Shoe Zone, Next, Boots, Accessorize, Clarks, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Carphone Warehouse, WH Smith, Bon Marche, Office, Moss Bros and Friars Square has Topshop, Office, House of Fraser, Wilkinsons. Pandora, H&M, River Island, Thorntons, BHS, Next, New Look and many more. Unique and Unusual Gifts Hale Leys has Choice, Boots, Accessorize, Clarks, Calendar Club, Vision Express and Toys-UK amongst others. As well as many national and independent shops, Aylesbury has some unexpected hidden gems where you can find unique gifts and stocking fillers: Stores within Aylesbury Shopping Park include Argos, Home Sense, Sports Direct, Lidl and eateries such as St Mary’s Church has inspirational Christmas cards and gifts, advent candles, Frankie and Benny’s. Holly socks, olive wood hearts and crosses and more.
Other excellent hunting grounds for quality and reasonably The Museum Shop sells a wide range of pocket money toys that make great priced goods and independent shops are the High Street, stocking fillers, as well as Quentin Blake mugs, Roald Dahl books and gifts. Kingsbury, Cambridge Street and Buckingham Street, all There are also gift ideas for adults, including art cards and books of local of which are within easy walking distance of the Market interest. Square. The Square hosts traditional open air markets, with a Vintage & Craft Bazaar every Tuesday and a general The Queens Park Arts Centre Christmas Pop Up Shop will be packed with market every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Delicious unique, hand-made items made by the tutors and students of Queens Park local produce can be found at the Farmers’ Markets from 9 until 31 December. The shop will be open during term time and which are held on the last Tuesday of throughout the run of their “Alice in Wonderland” panto. every month except December. Local produce can also be found on our weekly Foodie Friday Market.
Mix 96 will again be collecting presents for disadvantaged children across Buckinghamshire. Please drop a gift into the studios on Bourbon Street during office hours in December (no need to wrap your gift) 6 7
Every Tuesday, Regular stalls include: 9am to 2pm Fruit and veg, Come to the weekly fresh meat, fresh Vintage & Craft Bazaar, fish, handbags and where you can find luggage, mobile phone accessories, hats and unique items from gloves, cut flowers and handmade jewellery bedding plants, dog and gifts to antique beds, Italian bread home furnishings, and deli, ladies collectable books costume jewellery. and vinyl and retro ornaments and accessories. Get ready for Christmas! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of last minute Christmas Markets in Christmas week shopping, pick up your fresh fruit and Tuesday 20th December veg for Christmas Wednesday21st December dinner and maybe a Farmers’ few final gifts while Market Thursday 22nd December until 8pm soaking up the festive atmosphere Get Ready For Christmas! Friday 23rd December Find unique gifts and tasty in Market Square. Saturday 24th December treats at our festive Farmers’ Market on Tuesday 29 November. The Farmers’ Market shares the Market Square with the Vintage & Craft Bazaar so why not browse all the stalls and make a day of it? 8 9 “Memories are everything apparently, and I have only great ones of the fabulous Friars”
David Bowie A HERITAGE TO BE PROUD OF
Birthplace of the Friars Paralympic Movement The Local Music Club That Rocked The World!
Legendary among music fans and artists alike, Friars Dr. Ludwig Guttmann introduced sport as a Aylesbury is a world famous music club that has been
rehabilitation method to people with spinal injuries Mark Jordan running in Aylesbury since 1969. With over 93,000 who were patients at the National Spinal Injuries Unit members, it is believed to be the largest music club in at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury. An archery Europe. Having closed in 1984, Friars Aylesbury reopened competition for sixteen disabled athletes was held in June 2009 to tie in with its fortieth anniversary. to coincide with the 1948 London Olympic Games. This was the start of the Stoke Mandeville Games Artists including Queen, Genesis, Blondie and U2 and the Paralympic Movement was born. In 1960 the frequented Friars Aylesbury. David Bowie chose Friars International Stoke Mandeville Games took place in Aylesbury to perform the world debut of two of the Rome, the host city of the Olympic Games, setting a twentieth century’s most iconic albums, ‘Hunky Dory’ and ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders precedent that has continued until today. Mark Jordan From Mars’. The opening line of the first song on the Ziggy The Paralympic Games returned to its birthplace in album, ‘Five Years’, even references Aylesbury’s Market 2012 for the Flame Lighting Ceremony, starting the 24 Square. For his July 1972 Friars show Bowie flew in 50 hour torch relay that officially opened the London 2012 American journalists just for this show which put both Paralympic Games. Friars and Aylesbury firmly on the cultural world map.
In March 2014, a Heritage Flame Lighting Ceremony Friars is widely acknowledged as being instrumental in the was held in Stoke Mandeville which represented the success of many of the artists who performed here, and is first ever international leg of a Paralympic Torch Relay. fondly remembered as an important stepping stone on the Geoffrey Tyrell path to fame. On 2nd September 2016 Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville stadium played host to the Paralympic Flame lighting “(Friars) Aylesbury is proud of its place in rock music history, and Ceremony for the Rio 2016 Olympic games. For more its reputation as a home for genuine music enthusiasts. information visit www.buckslegacy.org is the best As well as being proud of its past, Aylesbury is constantly looking to the future and supports all live music initiatives gig in the in the town from small pub gigs to concerts at the country” Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.
Peter Gabriel 10 11
After the parade, there is a range of entertainment including Annual Favourites go-karts, a small fun fair, donkey rides and a bouncy castle. Aylesbury Christmas Light Switch on Why not start your Christmas shopping on the day too, with the town hosting an array of national and independent shops? Thursday 17th November Join in the fun in Aylesbury town centre to herald the start From 1pm the impressive family Santa’s Dash run will leave of Christmas. The ever popular Christmas lights switch on Kingsbury and run through town in aid of charity. If you want event is hosted by Mix 96 and the Aylesbury Town Centre to join in this worthwhile fun run, email duevents@outlook. Partnership. It will take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm com. Alternatively, booking forms are available from Dead in Market Square, along with a funfair in Kingsbury until Universe Comics, Bourbon Street, Aylesbury or the Florence 8.30pm. The lights will be switched on at 7pm and will be Nightingale Hospice Charity, Walton Street, Aylesbury. followed by a colourful fireworks display. There will also be a host of live acts performing throughout the event. Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
The cast from the panto, including Buckinghamshire’s Sunday 4 December 11am -3pm own funny man and comic panto king Andy Collins, will be Come and discover a wealth of unusual gifts for your loved switching on the lights and will be joined by the winner of ones this Christmas. Take a leisurely stroll around the the Roald Dahl festival fancy dress competition. Christmas Craft and Gift Fair based in the beautiful Market Square. Why not grab a bite to eat from the vast range of street food available, choosing from paella, hot cheese Discover personal, handcrafted and unique Christmas gifts sandwiches, hot chestnuts, candy floss, kebabs or fresh whilst enjoying festive music from a live jazz band and local donuts - or you can pick from one of the town’s many carol singers. restaurants. There really is something for everyone! These events have been bought to you by the Aylesbury Town If you fancy a spot of late night Christmas shopping, Centre Partnership - a team of local businesses, councils and parking will be free from 4.30pm Thursday evenings in organisations working hard to improve Aylesbury. AVDC’s Aylesbury town centre car parks, from 17 November until 22 December. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Aylesbury town centre!
Santa’s Parade & Santa Dash (Information correct at time of going to press) Sunday 27th November 10.45am – 3pm The Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership is delighted to host the return of Santa`s Parade - a real family favourite! This year’s Santa’s parade will be led by 3 wise men on camels, larger than life penguins, winter foxes, snow princesses, a happy snowman, real donkeys, a samba band and a colourful array of music and dance groups.
The parade of characters and local groups will sing and dance their way through town at 10.45am, starting from the Upper High Street and making their way around Market Square. 12 13
Festive dates for your Diary: December Sat 3, 10 & 17 December 10.30am – 12.30pm Aylesbury Town Centre Aylesbury Library Christmas Storytime and Craft Bring the kids along for a Christmas themed story and a Santa’s Parade and fun free craft session. Christmas Lights Santa’s Dash Sun 4 December 11am -3pm Switch On Sunday 27 November Christmas Craft and Gift Fair Parade starts at 10.45am, Thursday 17 November Looking for that different gift for friend or family member, activities 11am –3pm 5.30pm – 7.30pm Town Centre you should be able to find it in this plethora of unusual & unique Town Centre See page 10 for further details stalls in Market Square. See page 11 for further details Sun 4 December 5.30pm November Mayors carol service St Mary`s Church Sat 5 November 10am-4pm 9 – 31 December Art & Craft Fair Alice in Wonderland (Christmas Pantomime) Queens Park Arts Centre Limelight Theatre (performance times vary) Entry: £2 / £1 concessions Tickets: £13 adults / £9 concessions / £7 under-16s Thurs 10 November 10.15am 5 – 31 December Storytime and Craft Aylesbury Library Pop-up Christmas Craft Shop Queens Park Arts Centre Sat 12 and Sunday 13 November 6pm-8pm Free Activity Walking Play – The Rose Thief in Aylesbury’ s Old Town Aylesbury Old Town £4:50, tickets available at Bucks County Museum and Sun 11 December. 11am – 4pm Aylesbury Town Council Offices. Festive Family Fun Market Square and Friars Square Thurs 17 November 5.30pm – 8pm Themed on the Nutcracker, come and find all of the soldiers around Christmas Light Switch on. This is a real fun night to getting the the town to win a fantastic prize. With fun, games, entertainment, festive spirit under way, Entertainment, Fireworks and music, a fun craft and activities in Friars Square and fun fair rides in Market square. fair and street food all for your entertainment. Free activity Sun 27 November 10.45am – 3pm Sun 11 December 6pm – 7pm A family favourite. Santa and his every increasing number of helpers Carolfest parade through the town along the High Street and around Market St Mary`s Church Square. There will be a small funfair, Free donkey rides in the high Come and join in with all your favourite Christmas Carols in a relaxed, street, delicious street food, entertainment and carol singers after family friendly atmosphere. We will be serving hot drinks and mince pies too! the parade. Free Activity Sun 27 November 1-3pm Christmas 2015 Changes to Shopping Hours for Aylesbury Town Centre Santa’s Dash Santa’s grotto opens after the Parade Join in with the action packed day. Sunday Trading every week 10.30pm -4.30pm Late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday from 17th November up to Christmas. Free Parking from 4.30pm every Thursday from 17th November until Christmas in AVDC Town Centre and Friars Square car parks. 14 15
• Community Safety Partnership Things to do Nightlife • Aylesbury Business Against Crime • Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership Bucks County Museum We are proud to have been holders of the Explore displays and exhibitions plus Purple flag since 2011. The achievement of • Pubwatch the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery becoming a Purple flag award holder is • Community lead partnerships including www.buckscountymuseum.org ruly a partnership approach in Aylesbury. There is a common purpose and aim the Street Angels. Vale Park between groups to ensure that Aylesbury • Licensing committee Aylesbury’s main park boasts ample seating and striking flower Town is a place where spending leisure beds, along with a modern fenced play area, a multi games area time is an enjoyable and safe experience. • Thames Valley Police suitable for football and basketball, a skate park and The working group has been represented tennis courts. www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/parks by the following partners:
Aylesbury Heritage Walk Our efforts are focussed on the following A fascinating self-guided walk that gives an insight into the town’s areas to maximise your night out. architectural history. The booklet to accompany the walk costs just £1 and can be purchased from Bucks County Museum or the Town Council offices in Church Street. Safety www.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk Safety in the town is paramount and all activities are monitored Aylesbury Waterside Theatre by CCTV cameras, and door staff are fully accredited in safety A modern venue, hosting a range of entertainment from and well-being. Additionally on a regular basis you will see Street professional opera, classical and popular music, ballet and Angels assisting anyone who is vulnerable. theatre through to community and amateur dramatics www.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury Cleanliness Queens Park Arts Centre We are keen to maintain the cleanliness in town and the cleaning A fully community based venue, the Queens Park Arts Centre regime is based on ensuring that the Environmental Protection Act offers over 60 arts and crafts workshops every week. The relaxed Limelight Theatre at the centre hosts a range of theatre, comedy Code of Practice on Litter standards are always maintained as a and music. www.qpc.org minimum standard. This cleaning regime ensures the town centre is cleansed between the hours of 6am and 8am each day and that Odeon Cinema the town remains clean throughout the day until at least 8pm. Hosting a range of new releases each week as well as special screenings www.odeon.co.uk Transport Aqua Vale The railway and bus stations are close to town centre with Featuring an eight lane 25 metre competition pool, an indoor easy access and operational into late evening. The transport leisure facility with a river ride and interactive flume and a hub located outside the library provides real time passenger heated outside pool. There is also a modern gym and fitness suite, information to assist in your journey home. a dance studio, sauna, soft play area and a café. www.everyoneactive.com We have a number of instantly recognisable black taxis ranked Rogue Leisure in central locations – please see map on page 18. for your information. Try out tenpin bowling and indoor karting. The bowling centre offers 14 lanes of fun for all the family, plus a fully licensed bar and the Rogue Café serving hot and cold food. The kart track offers a 300 metre dual-level track, with all the adrenaline- filled Night out excitement racing just centimetres off the ground can offer! There are over 60 food and beverage eateries in town, and www.RogueBowling.co.uk www.RogueRacing.co.uk locations can be found on page 18, they are coupled with a range of pubs and bars including a pool bar and several night clubs open until 2am.
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Contacts St Mary’s Church 01296 437641 Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership www.aylesburychurches.org 01296 585 880 www.aylesburylunchtimemusic.co.uk facebook.com/AylesburyVale www.visitaylesbury.co.uk Queens Park Arts Centre www.qpc.org Aylesbury Markets (run by AVDC) facebook.com/Aylesbury markets Friars Square Shopping Centre www.friarssquareshopping.com AVDC www.facebook.com/FriarsSquareShoppingCentre www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk facebook.com/AylesburyVale Dead Universe Comics
Aylesbury Town Council facebook.com/DeadUniverse.Comics www.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk The Broad Leys facebook.com/AylesburyTC www.thebroadleys.co.uk
Aylesbury Library Shoot Pool www.buckscc.gov.uk/libraries www.lemonrock.com/shootpool 0845 230 3232 Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Bucks County Museum www.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury www.buckscountymuseum.org facebook.com/BucksMuseum
Heritage Open Days www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Take a look at Aylesbury’s new website
You’ll find everything you need to know about Aylesbury town centre including entertainment, events, history, culture, gigs, places to eat and nightlife. You’ll also find fantastic offers from town centre businesses. www.visitaylesbury.co.uk 18 19 Places to Eat and Drink
Christmas 2016 Changes to Shopping Hours in Aylesbury Town Centre Santa’s Grotto from 27 November Merry Sunday trading every week 10.30am – 4.30pm Late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday from 17 November up to Christmas Christmas Free parking from 4.30pm every Thursday from 17 November until Christmas in AVDC Aylesbury from town centre car parks and Friars Square Car Park. Aylesbury Market Shopping Hours Hale Leys Aylesbury Friars Square No Market Date 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm No Market Town Centre Thurs 17th November 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 4pm Thurs 24th November 9am – 6pm 8am – 8pm No Market Partnership Fri 25th November Normal hours Normal hours No Market Sun 27th November 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm No Market Thurs 1st December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm No Market Thurs 8th December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 2pm Thurs 15th December 9am – 6pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 4pm Fri16th December 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm No Market Sat 17th December 10.30am – 4.30pm 10.30am – 4.30pm No Market Sun 18th December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 2pm Mon 19th December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 4pm Tues 20th December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am - 3pm Wed 21st December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 2pm Thurs 22nd December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm 9am – 4pm Fri 23rd December 9am – 4pm 9am – 4pm No Market Sat 24th December Closed Closed No Market Sun 25th December 10.30am-4.30pm 10.30am-4.30pm No Market Mon 26th December(BH) 10.30am-4.30pm 10.30am-4.30pm No Market Tues 27th December(BH) 10.30am-4.30pm 10.30am-4.30pm No Market Sun 1st January 10.30am-4.30pm 10.30am-4.30pm Mon 2nd January (BH)
AYLESBURY’S BIGGEST PANTOMIME, GUARANTEED TO RUB YOU UP THE RIGHT WAY MICHELLE COLLINS AS THE GENIE OF THE RING ANDY JASMIN COLLINS WALIA AS WISHEE WASHEE AS PRINCESS JASMINE LA VOIX NICHOLAS AS WIDOW TWANKEY POUND AS ABANAZAR Fri 9 – Sat 31 Dec 2016 0844 871 7607* ATGTICKETS.COM/AYLESBURY*
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*Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Phone and online bookings incur a transaction fee of £2.85. No fees for groups or in-person bookings. Tickets available from £12. Subject to availability.
130147_Aylesbury Winter Guide 2017_140x90mm.v1.indd 1 07/10/2016 13:34