Yattendon and Frilsham Fete draws hundreds for sun-soaked bank holiday fun

Hundreds gathered to enjoy this year’s Yattendon and Frilsham Fete, made even better by the glorious bank holiday weather.

Opened by Lord Iliffe, the day saw visitors treated to a variety of food and entertainment including morris dancing, Punch and Judy show, maypole dancing, a dog show, tug of war, bouncy castle and a hog roast.

This year’s event also welcomed several new stallholders along with performances by Watership Brass and VoxSonic Choir.

Established more than 225 years ago, the fete supports a number of local charities and causes, from village halls and churches, to schools and youth organisations.

Last year, the organising committee raised £17,000 for local groups.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen that many people before,” said committee member Claire Quirke about this year’s event.

“There was a real buzz about the place and every area was busy. Everyone stepped up to make it a great success.”

She added: “I think trying to keep things traditional with a focus on good-value family fun is something attendees like, and we are all really pleased the fete has returned to how it was pre-Covid.”

Newbury MP Laura Farris also attended the celebrations, entering the cake competition and judging the dog show.

After 20 years, the fete also saw Allison Gillespie step down from her committee role, serving six years as its chair.

During her tenure, she has helped the event raise in excess of £105,000 for local charitable causes.

“Her dedication and commitment to the role has been exemplary,” wrote manager director of Yattendon Estates James Hole, in a fitting tribute.

“It is with our most sincere and heartfelt thanks that we thank Allison for all her efforts and we look forward to seeing her at future fetes but on the other side of the fence.”

The committee said it wanted to thank all who came to support the fete and who worked hard to make it a success.

Total attendence and proceeds figures are yet to be revealed.