14th September 2026
Thame’s links with its Romanian twin town were celebrated in style this weekend as the largest ever group from the Thame area travelled to Sinaia for the annual Sinaia Forever Festival.
Andy Wainwright, Deputy Mayor of Thame, joined more than 20 members of Thame Chamber Choir for the visit to the mountain resort from 11 to 13 September 2026. The trip marked a significant moment in the friendship between the two towns, which have been twinned since 2012.
During the weekend, Cllr Wainwright met Vlad Oprea, Mayor of Sinaia, and delivered a speech in Romanian. He also visited Peleș Castle, the former royal residence, and was given a tour of Sinaia’s new hospital by Mayor Oprea.
The visit also gave the group a chance to experience Romanian culture at first hand, including the traditional Călușarii folk dance and the lively atmosphere of the Sinaia Forever Festival.
Thame Chamber Choir performed twice during the festival weekend. Their first concert took place outdoors on Saturday, following performances by the SinArmonia Choir and soloists.
Choir member Emma Critchley said the group had received “a very warm welcome in Sinaia”, with “great food, dancing and a trip up into the mountains by cable car” before the choir’s performance. “It is a privilege to be visiting and singing here,” she added.
The choir’s second concert was held on Sunday at Sinaia’s Roman Catholic Church, where the performance was attended by many local residents.
Kelly Inglis, a choir member who coordinated the tour, described the concert as one of the most memorable the choir had ever given. “Many of us said that this was the best concert we’ve ever had to perform in, purely because of how incredibly emotional it was and how we were able to interact with the congregation and connect,” she said. “We all commented on just being able to feel the warmth and goodwill coming from the audience.”
At the end of the Sunday concert, Mariana Cojoc-Wisernig, Honorary President of ASPE Sinaia, presented certificates of recognition to Duncan Aspden, musical director of Thame Chamber Choir, and to Kelly Inglis in appreciation of the choir’s contribution to the festival.
Set at the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains in the Prahova Valley, Sinaia is one of Romania’s oldest and best-known mountain resorts and is often known as “The Pearl of the Carpathians”.
The weekend visit strengthened the long-standing relationship between Thame and Sinaia and showcased the continuing cultural ties between the two communities.
For more information, please visit:
- Thame Sinaia Friendship Association on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thamesinaia
- Thame Chamber Choir website: https://www.thamechamberchoir.org/
- ASPE Association, Sinaia: https://www.facebook.com/aspesinaia
- Thame Town Council: https://www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/
