WHO: Appoint a group of practical people to be in charge of organising the stalls and the tug ‘o war teams (try to avoid those who are strong on promises and short on delivery as it’ll only hold up proceedings)
ADVERTISE: Make sure you make as many people as possible aware of your fete. Village fete signs have come under attack recently but don’t let that put you off too much. Also try and submit the details to as many websites as possible that upload information for free. Country Life publishes its village fete calendar online every year and the Innocent people also have their own fete finder
WHEN: Most villages will have a fixed weekend in the summer. If there is flexibility, we suggest you go for earlier on in the summer before fete tedium sets in. Anytime before May is risky with the weather, avoid August altogether and if you have to do it later, early September is not a bad idea.
WHERE: If the village green doesn’t exist or isn’t big enough, the onus for hosting the fete should fall between the owners of the largest and most accessible gardens. Remember access for tables and larger objects is important to consider. Set up a roster of who hosts when.
TICKET PRICES: Don’t feel shy about charging for entry. £5 per adult, £2.50 per child and under 5s going free sounds about right.
WHAT TO INCLUDE: We suggest you include a mix of the following stalls and games
Stalls and stands
White elephant Tombola Cream teas Largest/wonkiest fruit and vegetable competitions Home-made cakes & jams Beer or Pimms tent Pot plant sale Second hand book stall Face painting Donkey, camel, llama, pony rides
Games Coconut shy Hoopla Welly wanging Beat the goalie Egg and spoon race Bouncy castle Raffle Apple bobbing Tug ‘o War Dog agility games
Decorations & extras Bunting (find out how to make your own bunting) Brass, steel or jazz band
* Find out more about the humble village fete on a new Website dedicated to saving the village fete
