A village near Bath, whose annual fete draws visitors from far and wide, is preparing for this year’s event on Saturday 6th September, with the organisers saying it will be “bigger than ever”.
The egg-throwing contest at last year’s event
The Bitton church fete, which includes a dog show run by Highcroft Veterinary Group in Longwell Green, is part of year-round activities to maintain the historic Grade I listed St Mary’s Church.
Last year’s fete was opened by local celebrity Bel Mooney and raised around £8,500.
This year it will be opened by villagers Ken and Jill Gibson, who until recently led much of the planning and organising of the event over many years.
The fete is held on the Glebe Field next to the churchyard, as well as in St Mary’s and at neighbouring Church Farm.
Bitton Dawn Chorus, a new village community choir, will perform at the opening and also midway through the fete. Also appearing for the first time will be Bristol Rag Morris, a traditional folk Morris group.
Oldland Brass, the Jazzbeanz and St Mary’s Minstrels will be providing musical entertainment.
There will be a food court on the Glebe Field and a licensed bar, while tea and cake will be served in the church and cream teas will be available at Church Farm.
As well as stalls and games there will be a children’s tent with special activities.
One of the highlights of the fete is the Great Bitton Egg Throwing Contest.
Entrance to the fete, which includes a programme, is £2 for adults. Children get in for free. Fete-goers are asked to park in the designated free parking area, rather than on village roads.
Food and the bar will be available from 1pm and the fete is expected to close at 5.30pm.
