Whitchurch Fete
Whitchurch Village Fete – General Information
Whitchurch Village Fete has become the ‘local event of the year’ and is usually attended by over 3000 people who enjoy a variety of stalls, entertainment & amusement over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Year upon year, the Fete raises thousands of pounds which is distributed to selected local charities by the hard working organisers.
In 2014, year the Fete celebrated its 38th Anniversary & all the usual sections of the Fete were there, including the ever popular Dog Show, the Flower, Vegetable and Handicraft Show and a full programme of arena events. The number of stalls continues to grow selling everything from A to Z and there are the usual rides for younger patrons, who are invited to participate in the children’s sports. A Bar & a refreshment tent is always available.
The Fete started in 1977 when a small event was held to present souvenir plates to all children under sixteen years old to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Over the years it has grown from strength to strength and is now a major event of its type in the South Bristol area, with an increasing average attendance of some 3000 people.
The Fete is organised by the usual ‘volunteer committee’ who meet on a monthly basis, augmented with a large number of regular helpers for the event over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The Fete has various sections each with its own organiser, but coming under the overall umbrella of the committee. Events start on the Saturday evening with a country style dance (including a caller) in the marquee. A car boot sale is held on the Sunday morning.
The Bank Holiday Monday sees the opening of the Fete, usually at 1pm by a local celebrity. There is a large flower, vegetable and handicraft show, dog show (entries between 9.30am and 11.30am please) plus over two hours of arena events. A large number of stalls and sideshows are available for people to enjoy. A licensed bar and various food outlets provide sustenance if required, with the tea tent highly recommended. Car parking is free in the Barbarians Ground, Norton Lane.
All profits are given to local groups and charities with thousands of pounds having been raised over the years.
For further details please contact Mr Ashton Broad 01275 832148
WHITCHURCH VILLAGE FETE 2015
Plans for the Fete weekend are progressing well, with a number of stalls and arena events for Bank Holiday Monday already confirmed - see the table below.
Have a great evening at the Saturday night Barn Dance in the marquee with The Granny Smiths band and sell or buy (or both!) at the Car Boot Sale on the Sunday.
We are already indebted to several local businesses who sponsor events during the Fete weekend and contribute raffle prizes/vouchers, and we would welcome any further contributions to help ensure the success of the Fete in raising money to support local charities and organisations.
If you would like to help in this way, or during the Fete weekend, please contact Ashton Broad on 01275 832148 or whitchurchvillagefete@hotmail.co.uk
WHITCHURCH VILLAGE FETE 2015
The Whitchurch Village Fete Committee members have already begun planning for this year's Fete which is to be held in Greensmore Field over the August Bank Holiday weekend!
There will be the usual Barn Dance (Sat 29th Aug), Car Boot Sale (Sun 30th Aug) and Monday Fete (31st Aug) with plenty of attractions for all, including the flower/vegetables/handicrafts show, dog show, arena events, licensed bar, tea tent, various sideshows and stalls - and free car parking.
To enable the events to continue, we are seeking more volunteers to help over the weekend, especially on the gates, letting people and vehicles in and out. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Ashton Broad on 01275 832148 or whitchurchvillagefete@hotmail.co.uk
Whitchuch Village Fete Report – 2014
Some people in Whitchurch braved the rainy weather last weekend to attend the 38th Annual Village 'Underwater' Fete which was held in Greensmore Field on Bank Holiday Monday.
The Fete was opened by BBC News Presenter Alex Lovell, who came prepared with her brolly and praised the Organisers for their hard work throughout the year.
Although there were disappointing numbers through the gates, the Flower Tent was full of exciting entries and the show went on with events in the arena including Enchante Baton Twirlers, Shaolin Wushu display, family sports and Ferretworld, with teams of children racing ferrets down tubes. Children visited the Beau Street Hoard tent to make a replica Roman coin, the Midsomer Norton Brass Band played and the Tea tent sold their scrumptious cakes.
Volunteers of all ages worked together to make the day as successful as possible. The Barn Dance in the marquee with the 'Granny Smiths' on the Saturday night was enjoyed by all, and luckily it stayed dry for the popular Sunday car boot sale.
Photos of the Fete are available here:–
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery 2
Despite the awful weather which caused a relatively low attendance at this years fete, the following organisations benefitted from donations from the Fete Committee:–
- ‘Enchante’ Baton Twirlers
- Shaolin Wushu
- Whitchurch Primary School
- Scouts
- Pegasus Hawking
- Marine Cadets
- Army Cadets
- Guide Dogs for the Blind
- St Johns Ambulance
- Keynsham Mencap
- Barbarians Rugby Club
See the photos
Photo Gallery 3
Whitchurch Fete 2013
Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2013
The Fete was held in glorious weather and all events were well attended. A fuller update will be provided within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, a huge thank you must be paid to all the organisers, stall holders and anyone that contributed towards the weekend’s activities.