Shefford fete to be bigger and better

Shefford’s free summer fete will be held on Sunday, May 31 at The Memorial Grounds in Hitchin Road.

It is set to be the biggest event since its launch four years ago and takes place from 1pm to 5pm.

There will be over 100 stalls for visitors to enjoy as well as a range of entertainment on offer.

Last year over 2,000 people attended the community event which raised £5,500.

Local schools, Shefford Lower, Samuel Whitbread and Robert Bloomfield will all be involved.

Linda Ford said: “We have lots on at the fete including a bouncy castle, trampolines and lots of things for the children to do.

“There will be a variety of dance and gymnastic displays from the schools and we also have kick-boxing and tai chi masterclasses taking place.

“The whole event is run by volunteers on the day and we try to get as many local business involved in supporting the fete and Shefford as we can.”

There is a community feel to the event and rather than getting a local celebrity to open the event the organisers aim for someone who has contributed to local life.

This year it will be a prominent Reverend in the surrounding area.

The fete will also see a classic car show with about 20 cars, the fire service present to give children a tour of their vehicles and talk about the service, as well as art displays and Shefford memorabilia inside the Memorial Hall itself.

The bar will be open all afternoon and there is also a beer tent to cope with the number of visitors.

Tea and cakes will be available as well as barbecue food and fish and chips which will be cooked and served throughout.

There will be face painting and a variety of fairground rides on offer too.

All proceeds raised will go towards the new Memorial Hall building outlined in the Biggleswade Chronicle last week.

There are big plans for the venue as £300,000 is to be invested in just the first phase of development.

Julia Holmes, STMA Committee town council representative, said: “In order to attract people back again we have got to offer them something better than this.

“There will be brand new changing rooms to Sport England standard and they will come to the edge of the green with an officials room and brand new toilets.”

For more information you can search for the STMA Sports and Social Club on Facebook.