After the resounding success of the 2023 Fayre, the 2024 event presented some new challenges, not least to continue the success with new committee members after the stepping back of some key members. The present committee would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those who have served the Fayre over many years and are now able to take a well-earned step back.
The months leading up to the event were certainly a steep learning curve for the new committee members but a determination to uphold the tradition of this renowned event provided the motivation needed. A huge thank you to continuing committee members who provided the experience and guidance that helped pull things together. On top of this, the “Blue Tongue” outbreak popped up to present another challenge but with the right approach, nothing in beyond resolving.
It is fair to say that the weather threw us yet another curve ball during the day with a few light rain showers but, the morning started dry and bright and early attendance was brisk. With admission price for adults at just £5 and maintaining the tradition of free entry for accompanied under 16s the committee's aim is to provide fantastic value for a family fun day out. The Fayre opened at 10am giving a chance to visit the Craft Fayre and the various side show attractions before the Main Ring events began at 11am. First up in the Main Ring was a parade of Thurlow Hounds with kind permission of Robin Vestey. A great chance to get up close to the Hounds and great to see so many young visitors engaging. The Main Ring continued to provide high quality entertainment with performances from The Mighty Smith strongman, Shotokan Karate group demonstration, a parade of the Classic Car entrants and two sessions from our headline performance from Dangerous Steve which was kindly sponsored by Keven Swales and his team from Bella Pubs Group.
A number of acts had to pull out of this year’s event through no fault of their own but as they say “every cloud has a silver lining” and the revised schedule create some short breaks during which visitors made full use of the W.I. Tea tent and the range of great food and drink outlets on site.
Outside of the Show Ring there were performances from Green Dragon Morris Dancers who invited the crowd to participate, Hadstock Silver Band who put on fantastic performances, entertaining those sitting in and around W.I Tea Tent and a whole host of side shows and attractions from Fairground Rides, Crazy Golf, Pony Rides and a Land Train that went around the site.
The Fun Dog Show once again had a record number of entries for the nine classes, very ably organised by Jane Sheppard and her ladies and a great turn out of Classic Cars organised and run by Thurlow Garage provided a trip down memory lane for many visitors.
The Craft Fayre section was again extremely busy, with a wide variety of stalls offering everything from homemade jam to bespoke children’s clothing, and pretty much anything in between.
All the catering outlets were well patronised and included a BBQ run by Keven Swales and his team, fish & chips, hog roast, pizza and Slush Puppies as well as plenty of drinks from the on-site bars.
The Show Tents were busy throughout the day with the Bottle Stall and Raffle housed in one tent and the Local History and Curwen Print exhibitions in the second tent offering an insight into traditional and historic methods and processes.
The Bottle Stall saw nearly 400 bottles and cans that raised over £1,100 which is fantastic and thanks to all those from the village who kindly donated bottles.
The Raffle again turned out to be a major fundraiser with over £1,600 worth of tickets sold with the incentive of a Golden Ticket prize of luxury weekend break for two kindly donated once again by Stephanie France and her company Professional Sounds Consultancy. A Cash Prize of £100 kindly donated by Highfield Events Group was further supported by numerous prizes kindly donated by local businesses and individuals. Thank you to all who contributed to the impressive display of prizes
The Fayre Committee would like to thank everyone for their hard work and support in making the day such a successful event whether it be helping with erecting and dismantling of marquees, field set up and signage, manning on day, donating bottles, buying raffle tickets, making cakes. A huge thank you to all our wonderful sponsors without whom this event would not be possible. Your support and generosity will once again help numerous organisations and charities. Most of all, the biggest thank you to all who visited the Fayre in 2024. We sincerely hope you had a great day out and hope to welcome you back in 2025.
The Fayre Committee is proud to announce a record £10,850 to be distributed as follows:
Thurlow Fayre Committee
The months leading up to the event were certainly a steep learning curve for the new committee members but a determination to uphold the tradition of this renowned event provided the motivation needed. A huge thank you to continuing committee members who provided the experience and guidance that helped pull things together. On top of this, the “Blue Tongue” outbreak popped up to present another challenge but with the right approach, nothing in beyond resolving.
It is fair to say that the weather threw us yet another curve ball during the day with a few light rain showers but, the morning started dry and bright and early attendance was brisk. With admission price for adults at just £5 and maintaining the tradition of free entry for accompanied under 16s the committee's aim is to provide fantastic value for a family fun day out. The Fayre opened at 10am giving a chance to visit the Craft Fayre and the various side show attractions before the Main Ring events began at 11am. First up in the Main Ring was a parade of Thurlow Hounds with kind permission of Robin Vestey. A great chance to get up close to the Hounds and great to see so many young visitors engaging. The Main Ring continued to provide high quality entertainment with performances from The Mighty Smith strongman, Shotokan Karate group demonstration, a parade of the Classic Car entrants and two sessions from our headline performance from Dangerous Steve which was kindly sponsored by Keven Swales and his team from Bella Pubs Group.
A number of acts had to pull out of this year’s event through no fault of their own but as they say “every cloud has a silver lining” and the revised schedule create some short breaks during which visitors made full use of the W.I. Tea tent and the range of great food and drink outlets on site.
Outside of the Show Ring there were performances from Green Dragon Morris Dancers who invited the crowd to participate, Hadstock Silver Band who put on fantastic performances, entertaining those sitting in and around W.I Tea Tent and a whole host of side shows and attractions from Fairground Rides, Crazy Golf, Pony Rides and a Land Train that went around the site.
The Fun Dog Show once again had a record number of entries for the nine classes, very ably organised by Jane Sheppard and her ladies and a great turn out of Classic Cars organised and run by Thurlow Garage provided a trip down memory lane for many visitors.
The Craft Fayre section was again extremely busy, with a wide variety of stalls offering everything from homemade jam to bespoke children’s clothing, and pretty much anything in between.
All the catering outlets were well patronised and included a BBQ run by Keven Swales and his team, fish & chips, hog roast, pizza and Slush Puppies as well as plenty of drinks from the on-site bars.
The Show Tents were busy throughout the day with the Bottle Stall and Raffle housed in one tent and the Local History and Curwen Print exhibitions in the second tent offering an insight into traditional and historic methods and processes.
The Bottle Stall saw nearly 400 bottles and cans that raised over £1,100 which is fantastic and thanks to all those from the village who kindly donated bottles.
The Raffle again turned out to be a major fundraiser with over £1,600 worth of tickets sold with the incentive of a Golden Ticket prize of luxury weekend break for two kindly donated once again by Stephanie France and her company Professional Sounds Consultancy. A Cash Prize of £100 kindly donated by Highfield Events Group was further supported by numerous prizes kindly donated by local businesses and individuals. Thank you to all who contributed to the impressive display of prizes
The Fayre Committee would like to thank everyone for their hard work and support in making the day such a successful event whether it be helping with erecting and dismantling of marquees, field set up and signage, manning on day, donating bottles, buying raffle tickets, making cakes. A huge thank you to all our wonderful sponsors without whom this event would not be possible. Your support and generosity will once again help numerous organisations and charities. Most of all, the biggest thank you to all who visited the Fayre in 2024. We sincerely hope you had a great day out and hope to welcome you back in 2025.
The Fayre Committee is proud to announce a record £10,850 to be distributed as follows:
- Gt Thurlow Church: £1,500
- Lt Thurlow Church: £1,500
- Thurlow Village Hall: £1,000
- Thurlow Women’s Institute: £1,500
- Thurlow Sports Club Pavilion & Grounds: £1,200
- Sports Club Thurlow – Senior Football: £500
- Thurlow Tennis Club: £1,000
- Sports Club Thurlow - Youth Football: £500
- Thurlow Village Link: £400
- Sports Club Thurlow: Cricket Club: £400
- Thurlow & Hundon School PTA: £100
- Addenbrookes Charitable Trust: £250
- East Anglian Ambulance: £250
- Arthur Rank Hospice Charity: £250
- St Nicholas Hospice Care: £250
- West Suffolk Hospital Wish Foundation: £250
Thurlow Fayre Committee
