History of the Christleton Village Fete
It's not everyday that a minor disaster, in a small church, in a small village, barely three miles from Chester, starts a tradition that's been going strong now for 144 years.
On a Sunday in January 1873 part of the roof of the brick building of the 1736 church in Christleton collapsed and some of the congregation were covered in snow. Canon Garnett used the opportunity and his influence to have a substantial rebuild of the nave and chancel. He instigated many fundraising and social activities in the village and by 1875 held the first Fete in the large gardens of the Old Rectory. Money raised was to fund the repair of the church and whatever other good causes he thought fit. And so the fete started.
Held almost every year since, the basic formula has barely been tampered with. The Parade from the village green has started at 1pm on the last Saturday in June for as long as anybody can remember. Villagers of all ages walk, dressed in a fine array of fancy dress, to the Primary School Playing Field.
Virtually every local organisation and voluntary group in the area staff a series of gazeboes encircling the central arena - with a stage at one end for those acts that can't work in grass!
The Rose Queen is crowned, the fete opens and the fun begins. Burgers and beer, ice cream, sweets, arts and crafts, tug of war, music, games, book stalls, raffles, donkey rides, exotic foods; there's almost too much to mention.
The Central Arena holds a series of events alternating with those on stage building to a final crescendo.
The multi prize raffle will be drawn by 4pm and this year we are pleased that The Kings are going to be headlining the fete
Money from the fete is ploughed straight back into the community. Over 20 local groups receive sums ranging from £50 to over £300 every year. Playgroups have built shelters, Scouts have bought tents, tools have been purchased to make the village look neater, the Pit Group (ie the pond) have turned the pond's slightly wild area into a haven of peace and tranquility, a children's playground has been built, kit for footballers and cricketers have all been purchased and countless other projects have benefited.
We hope you can come and join us again this year!
(with thanks to Don Bailey)
On a Sunday in January 1873 part of the roof of the brick building of the 1736 church in Christleton collapsed and some of the congregation were covered in snow. Canon Garnett used the opportunity and his influence to have a substantial rebuild of the nave and chancel. He instigated many fundraising and social activities in the village and by 1875 held the first Fete in the large gardens of the Old Rectory. Money raised was to fund the repair of the church and whatever other good causes he thought fit. And so the fete started.
Held almost every year since, the basic formula has barely been tampered with. The Parade from the village green has started at 1pm on the last Saturday in June for as long as anybody can remember. Villagers of all ages walk, dressed in a fine array of fancy dress, to the Primary School Playing Field.
Virtually every local organisation and voluntary group in the area staff a series of gazeboes encircling the central arena - with a stage at one end for those acts that can't work in grass!
The Rose Queen is crowned, the fete opens and the fun begins. Burgers and beer, ice cream, sweets, arts and crafts, tug of war, music, games, book stalls, raffles, donkey rides, exotic foods; there's almost too much to mention.
The Central Arena holds a series of events alternating with those on stage building to a final crescendo.
The multi prize raffle will be drawn by 4pm and this year we are pleased that The Kings are going to be headlining the fete
Money from the fete is ploughed straight back into the community. Over 20 local groups receive sums ranging from £50 to over £300 every year. Playgroups have built shelters, Scouts have bought tents, tools have been purchased to make the village look neater, the Pit Group (ie the pond) have turned the pond's slightly wild area into a haven of peace and tranquility, a children's playground has been built, kit for footballers and cricketers have all been purchased and countless other projects have benefited.
We hope you can come and join us again this year!
(with thanks to Don Bailey)