The arrival of the summer is marked by village fetes across the country, but they’re not just confined to the leafy home counties – we actually have them in London too! Here’s a list of five fun events taking place across London in the next month or so that might take your fancy – you’ll be able to get your fill of home baking, craft stalls and live entertainment and lots of activities that will keep the whole family occupied for the afternoon and on into the evening:
Bloomsbury Summer Fete – Friday 14 June
Taking place on Bedford Square, the fete will be opened by the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Jonathan Simpson. It will feature local crafts, a beer tent and cocktail bar, twenty stalls offering fun and activities for kids and a line up of over fifty performers. The evening’s entertainment will be provided on the main stage by six groups kicking off at 4:30pm and running through until 10:30pm
Highgate’s Fair In The Square – Saturday 15 June
Located in Pond Square and on South Grove, the Highgate happening takes place from 12:30pm until 5:30pm. Local businesses and charities are represented on over one hundred and twenty stalls, and the entertainment comes from the Hornsey School for Girls Steel Band and lots of local talent including amateur choirs, dancers and musicians.
Maryelbone Summer Fayre – Saturday 15 June
Held in support of children’s charity Kids Company, the fayre will be held on Marylebone Hight St, Moxon St and Paddington Gardens, where the stage and festival bar will be located. Local retailers will be represented on the stalls, and there’s even a tombola! The main stage will feature acts from 12 until around 8pm, and there’s a whole programme of events for children including a fairground, hedge maze and free arts and crafts activities.
Kew Midsummer Fete – Saturday 22 June
The Kew fete is volunteer-organised, which allows them to give most of the proceeds from the event to local charities. This year there’s a craft marquee alongside the stalls, and the food court focuses on local suppliers. In the finest village fete tradition there will be a tug-of-war, charity raffle and a dog show.
Friends of Clapham Common’s Summer Fete – Sunday 7 July
Taking place around the bandstand near the cafe, the fete will feature thirty stalls, another dog show, fishing activities, cricket and model boat competitions. Given what day it is, they’re also laying on a live screening of the men’s finals down at Wimbledon too.