Lions promise this year’s May Fayre will be a roaring success
NOW just a few weeks away, plans are being made for a new-looking Wokingham May Fayre.
The annual charity extravaganza will once again take place across the town centre on the May Day bank holiday Monday.
But, because of the regeneration and closure of Elms Field, organisers will be making a number of changes to the traditional layout.
Thousands are expected to flock to the town for the fun event, which has been running since 1995.
The main beneficiaries from this year’s event will be two local charities, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service and Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
It is being organised by members of Wokingham Lions Club, with the team headed up by Andy Slay.
He said: “This year has had its share of challenges in organising the May Fayre.
“Due to the Elms Field Regeneration and the on-going town centre works, we have had to relocate many of the attractions for this event.
“The May Fayre will take place in Peach Street and Broad Street this year, where a variety of up to 120 stalls will be set up.”
There will be road closures of Peach Street and Broad Street from 6am to 6pm on the bank holiday Monday, with the diversions being the same as the Winter Carnival.
Mr Slay said: “While we recognise that this may be an inconvenience for some people wishing to pass through the town, I am sure that they will understand that the May Fayre is enjoyed by many people in the Wokingham area and raises many thousands of pounds for local charities. We are looking forward to returning to our usual site of the Elms Field and Denmark Street from 2020.”
And with Market Place not being completely finished yet, the stage will this year be located at the entrance to Rose Street.
“The May Fayre is a wonderful day out for families and people of all ages,” Mr Slay continued. “Our committee is working very hard to make it a success. We also always have tremendous support from our Town Council.”.
There will be charity, craft, trade and food stalls, and a chance to win a prize at some competitions. Among the many activities this year are Punch and Judy shows, magic shows, animal farm/pets corner and fun fair rides.
Cathy Valentine, director, Circus Scene, is in charge of the street entertainment.
She said: “Throughout the day, Circus Scene Street Entertainers will rove around the town. These include Morris Dancers, comedy jugglers, stilt walkers and musicians. Performances from various professional artists, drama schools and theatre groups will also be featured. This year we are very pleased to welcome to the main stage, for the first time, The Hot Potato Syncopators, an international comedy cabaret act.”
“We are very grateful to this year’s sponsors and those advertising in our programme for the May Fayre. The main sponsors are Wokingham Town Council, Prospect Estate Agency and The Wokingham Society. I would like to thank the Wokingham Lions team, as well as those companies and individuals who have supported us.
Sue Jackson, president, Wokingham Lions Club, said: “Please look for the May Fayre programme, which will be around the town very soon, and will provide full details of the day.”
The event takes place from 10am to 5pm on Monday, May 7. Entry is free, but there is a small charge for some activities. Charges also apply to public car parks.
For more information visit www. wokinghamlions.org.uk or call 0845 833 7384.