The Village Fete

The Village Fete 2023, took place on the 24th June on the Primary School Field, the now traditional site of the Show. The theme this year was ANIMALS, and entertainment led by the Wirral Pipe Band, Paws for Thought, a dogs display team and music from Kayla and the Clockmakers. The Parade with 2023 Rose Queen Maya Joinson and her retinue gathered at Woodfields at 1.00pm and were led by the Wirral Pipe Band around the village to the Primary School field. The weather was extremely warm, and I’m sure stall holders were glad of their stalls being in the shade. By the time of the opening of the show a large gathering were sitting in an arc around the arena facing the stage.

The Compere, James Pownall, invited David Cummings the Guest of Honour to speak and crown the Rose Queen. David spoke about the origins of the show, and produced a Programme of the 1875 Fete which was under the Patronage of his Grace the Duke of Westminster K.G., and the Mayor of Chester William Johnson. The Grounds of the Rectory (the current High School field) was the venue and was open from 12 o clock to 9.00pm. Admission was 1s for adults and 6d for children, and all the funds were towards the re-building of St James’ Church. Entertainment was by the Band of the 30th Regiment, and Amusements included Punchinello- Her Majesty’s Punch and Judy Show, and by Professor W Tyler who provided a Magical, Musical, and Ventiloquial Wonders event. Balloon Ascents took place at intervals during the day.

He then crowned the Rose Queen Maya Joinson, and after a short speech she opened the show. After the Fancy Dress Competition was judged and prizes awarded, the large gathering were entertained by the Wirral Pipe Band, with folk music by Kayla, an exciting display of Dog Handling by the Paws for Thoughts team, and Music from the Clockmakers. In addition to some colourful stalls around the field, with family games and food outlets, including an excellent barbecue, there was an extremely welcome Ice Cream Stall to keep everyone cool, on what was one of the warmest fete afternoons on record.

The 2023 Show was sponsored by Christleton Pre-School, Rowton Hall Hotel, Osprey Windows, Abbey Gate College, Spitting feathers Brewery, CNS Business IT Support and Services, & Ring O Bells, Christleton. All proceeds go to Village Organisations. Congratulations to Dawn Sturgess and her team for all their hard work in keeping this valuable village tradition going, and to the Primary School for allowing the Fete on their school field.