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The lowdown on local fetes, festivals, fairs and other fun

6 replies

Tigermoth · 25/05/2001 14:40

Now that it's summer, every weekend is chock full of events to go to all over the country: fetes, fun days, festivals etc etc. I was thinking wouldn't it be nice if we could swap news about the best of them?

For instance, I like to drive out to the Kent seaside. If I knew in advance that there was a brilliant village fete with lots of child-centered activities happening somewhere in Whitstable with an acclaimed home produce stall, it would be the cherry on the cake.

Unless you phone the local tourist office - that's if you even manage to get through during the busy season - you won't get to hear about these local events. But they can make all the difference to a day out.

As far as I know, and I've done a little research on this, there's no way a SE London person like myself will be able to find out about smaller events less than an hours drive away in Kent, Sussex or Essex. Is the same true elsewhere in the country?

Also, it would be really useful to know if someone had actually been to the event in previous years. In my experience, 'Grand Garden Fete' can mean anything from three trestle tables full of rubbish to a country house owner opening their private gardens for a one-off, activity-packed day.

To set the ball rolling, I'd recommend Strawberry Fair in Cambridge. It's held on Midsummer Common, near the city centre on Saturday June 2nd. It's got nothing to do with strawberries. More like a mini Glastonbury, but less hippy because it attracts lots of general Cambridge people as well as a festival crowd. And it's free!!! There are hundreds of stalls. Lots of interesting and cheap things to buy and to eat. Much of the afternoon entertainment (music, comedy and performance) is very child-orientated. It gets a bit more adult in the evening.

Will stop now, I'm rambling....

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Kate71 · 28/05/2001 20:22

If you are near Oldham I recommend the Saddleworth Band contest-as seen on 'Brassed Off' held on Whit Friday.
The following Saturday there is the Saddleworth Beer Walk a great atmosphere, possibly more fun for those taking part. All the participants get into the spirit of things and do the 10 mile route in fancy dress. If you do watch it you must come armed with plenty of loose change for the collection boxes.

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Marina · 29/05/2001 09:44

The Blackheath Village Fair is always on the first Saturday in June and is usually good fun of the slightly old-fashioned "hand-knitted egg cosy" type. There is also a steam funfair with a real merry-go-round, and lots of local voluntary groups have plant, cake and bric-a-brac stands. As it is on the heath there is lots of space for everyone so it is not too crowded. Easy transport (Blackheath BR five minutes' walk) means you could leave the car at home.

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Emmagee · 29/05/2001 11:07

Stoke Newington Festival (London N16) kicks off in two weeks with loads of family fun stuff over the weekend of the 9th and 10th June

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Robinw · 29/05/2001 20:22

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Tigermoth · 31/05/2001 16:44

Thanks for the tip, RobinW. Will look into it.

Emmagee, I'm not a 'Stokie' but have been to the Stoke Newington festival a couple of times. It's huge isn't it, but well worth going to. I've picked up some great second-hand toys and baby clothing bargains there. Lots of families nearby discarding trendy and expensive cast-offs.

I have read that on the Saturday night before the big Sunday festival, they hold a family camping night in the local park, with lots of child-orientated entertainment. Sounds fun if the weather holds.

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Batters · 10/06/2001 21:13

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