We are now only days away from the August Bank Holiday weekend and hopefully the weather will be good. There is so much to do in our borough and the long weekend will give residents the chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful countryside.

We also have the Bracknell Forest Festival underway in the town centre. This year we are introducing two new Forest Giants alongside the three returning favourites. Firstly, Will Wildwood has a built in slide and is all about activity and getting out and enjoying the countryside.

Elderma is the grandmother of the forest, and her giant hand will be where residents of all ages can take a selfie and make their pledges to help protect the wonderful woodland around the borough. They can do this by either by simply doing their bit when out and about or by signing up to the Get Green and Active volunteering scheme in partnership with involve Community Services. The volunteering campaign encourages people of all ages to get outdoors and discover the wellbeing benefits of being closer to nature.

Children will also be able to follow the Seedling Sprites trail and find the five fun sprites around the town centre and collect the limited-edition pop badges (while stocks last) as well as being able to enjoy the latest in augmented reality for each of the giants.

The Night Forest theatre experience uses breath-taking holographic technology to immerse the audience into the woodland after dark with the chance to see the creatures that come out at night. Performances are running all week, with dedicated SEND performances also available.. Tickets can be booked on The Lexicon website: www.thelexiconbracknell.com with proceeds going to The Lexicon Charity Fund.

I would encourage you all to head into the town centre and see the wonderful Forest Giants.

I have great pleasure in saying congratulations to one local resident who celebrated a £2,000 win on the Bracknell Forest Lottery recently.

The Bracknell Forest Lottery is designed to help local not-for-profit charities and organisations fundraise for their good cause all year round, in a safe, fun and effective way. Since launch, it has given out £26,000 in individual prizes, and a further £96,000 to good causes around the borough. I’m told that Mr Lloyd, our recent winner, will be using his winnings to help his chosen charity, Chess in Schools and Communities.

Whatever you have planned this weekend, I hope you all have a wonderful time.