Singing in the (short-lived) rain
DESPITE mixed weather, thousands gathered in the town to enjoy a day out during the extended bank holiday weekend.
Wokingham’s May Fayre took over the town, with plenty of activities, stalls and street food for visitors to enjoy.
The fayre opened at 10am, but preparations had begun at dawn, when a team of 45 volunteers from Wokingham Lions Club arrived.
Some visitors wore red, white and blue, and Union Flag themed costumes.
They were able to enjoy the charity stalls, street food vendors, and attractions that lined Peach Street, Denmark Street, Broad Street and Elms Field.
The fayre was officially opened by Town Mayor, Cllr Maria Gee, followed by entertainment on the main stage at the top of Denmark Street, organised by Cathy Valentine of Circus Scene.
The programme included numbers from ukelele band No Strings Attached, Steppin’ Out
Stars Of Tomorrow, and a comedy juggler. Other performers were
East Berkshire Operatic Society, Irish dance from the Maguire Academy, The Glee Club Choir, and a giant balloon show with a coronation theme.
Elms field hosted music from Saint Sebastian Brass Band, with attractions including a mini golf course, birds of prey, a children’s zoo, Punch and Judy, ferret racing, and a children’s train giving rides around the green space.
Also in Elms Field, children could try bungee jumping or bouncing in inflatable spheres.
For thirsty visitors, the Scout and Guide organisations ran a tea tent.
The annual event was part funded by Wokingham Town Council and raises money for local charities, with this year’s chosen two being Camp Mohawk and Thames Hospice.
Camp Mohawk is a multifunctional day centre for children with special needs and their families, set in five acres of countryside outside Wargrave.
Thames Hospice provides inpatient and community palliative and end-of-life care services to people aged 16 and over across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
Andy Goffin from Wokingham Lions, and May Fayre event coordinator, said: “It really went very well. Despite 10 minutes of heavy rain, it didn’t stop the visitors coming to enjoy the day.
“The stall holders and the visitors were happy, and we estimate that around 15,000 to 20,000 people came to the town throughout the day.”
Best stall holder was awarded to CLASP Wokingham, a self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities, and highly commended went to the Brownies.
Both stalls were decorated with a coronation theme.
“We’re very happy that everything went well, without any issues,” said Mr Goffin. “It’s a real team effort, put together by a group of six organisers and a large number of volunteers.
“We’re delighted the event will have raised around £15,000 for charity.”
The money will go to the two named organisations, and other local charitable groups.
“It’s great that after two years without a May Fayre, we’ve been able to run this event again,” said Mr Goffin.
“Our thanks go to our volunteers, to residents who braved a dull day, to the Town Council and Wokingham Society for their grants, and to all our other sponsors.”
By 8pm all the stalls and attractions had disappeared, but the Lions have not stopped, and are already planning their next event.
Work has started on the Lions Winter Carnival, planned for Sunday, November 26, again in the town centre.