An estimated 1,000 people flocked to Geddington on Sunday for this year’s Summer Fete, enjoying everything from live entertainment and family activities as well as the Battle of the Brook.
More than 30 stalls, six food vendors and a packed programme of entertainment helped create a fantastic atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
After concerns that the recent heatwave might affect attendance, slightly cooler temperatures on the day proved ideal, helping to create a wonderful atmosphere from the moment the gates opened until the final attraction of the afternoon.
Months of planning pays off
While visitors enjoyed a relaxed day of fun, the event itself was the culmination of many months of planning by the dedicated Geddington Summer Fete Committee.
Leading the preparations was Justin Brice, whose enthusiasm and countless hours of hard work turned months of planning into a hugely successful community event. He was supported throughout by fellow committee members Nicky Brice, Steph Watkins, Kate Smyth-Stephens, Amrit Bhavra, Sue Kitson and Brian Evans, whose combined efforts helped organise one of the village’s biggest annual events.
Their hard work was evident throughout the day, with visitors commenting on the excellent organisation, welcoming atmosphere and wide variety of attractions on offer.
A memorable opening
The fete was officially opened by Councillor Lauren Glanfield, Mayor of Kettering, alongside the village’s School May Queen and her Consort, with a little help from a Viking!
Visitors were immediately greeted by one of the day’s biggest talking points – a magnificent full-size Viking longboat, which provided a spectacular centrepiece and proved to be one of the most photographed attractions of the entire event.
Something for everyone
There was plenty to keep visitors busy throughout the afternoon. Families explored stalls featuring local businesses, charities, crafts and community organisations, while visitors enjoyed delicious food from vendors offering everything from pulled pork and pizza, to sweet treats and refreshments.
The entertainment continued throughout the day with performances from talented singer-songwriter Harry Pentony, the ever-popular Corby Ukulele Band, and the energetic Corby Starlight Dancers, ensuring there was always something happening. The Great Geddington Duck Race, in aid of the church’s “Noah’s Ark” childrens group, was another massive success!
The Geddington Gardening Club Flower Show also attracted plenty of visitors in the Village Hall, while children enjoyed activities, games and tombolas throughout the afternoon.
A busy day at the Beer Tent
One of the most popular attractions was once again the Geddington Volunteer Fire Brigade Beer Tent, which remained busy throughout the day.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the bar served more than 400 pints, alongside lager, wine and soft drinks.
Visitors were able to choose from 16 different real ales and ciders, with the best-selling beer proving to be GTB (Go To Blazes!) – a specially renamed version of A Piggin’ IPA, celebrating the Brigade’s long-standing motto. The Beer Tent was supported by Potbelly Brewery, whose assistance helped provide an excellent selection of local beers for visitors to enjoy.
Battle of the Brook continues a proud tradition
As the afternoon drew to a close, attention turned to the Battle of the Brook.
The annual tug-of-war saw The North once again challenge The South for the prestigious John Dorran Cup, named in memory of the man who helped revive the event in 2018.
For the third consecutive year, The South emerged victorious after another fiercely contested battle, watched by a large crowd gathered around the arena.
The Battle of the Brook has a fascinating history. Originally held during the 1950s and 1960s, teams from either side of Geddington Brook competed in a spirited tug-of-war in what is now the dog-walking meadow and the field opposite.
The contests attracted enormous crowds and, according to local legend, occasionally became rather too enthusiastic – the event is said to have been abandoned after a policeman reportedly lost part of his ear during one particularly lively altercation!
Today, thankfully, the competition is rather more friendly, while retaining all the rivalry and community spirit that has made it such a popular part of the village calendar.
A true community effort
Events on this scale simply cannot happen without an enormous team of volunteers, and the Summer Fete was no exception.
As well as the organising committee, dozens of volunteers spent many hours setting up before visitors arrived, managing parking and traffic, stewarding, providing information, running attractions, serving refreshments, and finally clearing the site long after most people had gone home.
Special thanks were extended to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, together with the Cricket Club, Bowls Club, Village Hall Committee, GN&LO Local History Society, the GVFB, and the many local organisations who took part, and helped make the event such a success.
Visitors full of praise
The success of the day was reflected in the many positive comments shared afterwards.
The Mayor of Kettering described the event as “amazing”, thanking all of the volunteers who made it happen.
Food vendors also enjoyed a fantastic day, with Charlie’s Kitchen reporting they had sold more pulled pork than ever before, while one pizza vendor commented they “still can’t believe how many pizzas we sold.”
Performers praised the warm welcome they received, with the Corby Ukulele Band thanking organisers for a wonderful day, while numerous visitors described the fete as “fantastic”, “well organised” and a wonderful showcase for the village.
Looking ahead
Although the fete itself retains funds to help stage future events, many of the participating charities, clubs and organisations also benefited by raising valuable funds to support their own activities throughout the year.
As the stalls packed away and volunteers began clearing the field, there was a real sense that the months of preparation had been worthwhile.
The Summer Fete has always been about more than simply raising money. It brings together local organisations, showcases village talent and gives residents an opportunity to spend time together. Judging by the crowds on Sunday, that tradition is as strong as ever.
For everyone who gave up their time to organise, volunteer, perform, exhibit or simply come along and support the day – thank you. Here’s to doing it all again next year.
Summer Fete Picture Special
Justin has got hundreds of photographs from the Summer Fete and, in the next couple of weeks, we’ll be publishing a special picture feature with many more images from the day. Be sure to check back – you might even spot yourself!