Sun comes out for Grand Village Fete (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sun comes out for Grand Village Fete

THE sun shone on Thrupp as record crowds enjoyed the biggest ever Grand Village Fete on Saturday.

An estimated 2,000 people flocked to Thrupp School playing field on the London Road to enjoy the raft of stalls, fun competitions and attractions on show.

Judges opened the day by deciding who would star as the May Queen, choosing little Stephanie Rignall, five, as the winner.

Youth MEP Alex Farrow, 16, then officially opened the event by releasing more than 100 balloons into the blue yonder for a charity race.

The day had an 'Animal Magic' them and included Seb Miller's Jungle Talk - a selection of beasts and creepie crawlies that included tarantulas, snakes, a skunk and a ferret. Fluffy alpacas from Minchinhampton farmer Nick Atkins were also on display.

Crowds enjoyed a host of fun competitions, including knobbly knees, juggling, town crying and jam doughnut eating, with delicious doughnuts donated by Hobbs House Bakery in Nailsworth.

And canine displays, a fun fair, bar and performances from Brimscombe School's Pom Pom girls and folk band The Stoats made for a cracking day of family fun.

Organisers are expecting the event to raise more than £3,000 for local good causes, including the Brimscombe and Thrupp Social Centre, local mother and toddler group and the PTAs of Brimscombe and Thrupp primary schools.