AFTER a year off due to the pandemic, Bisley Fete and Flower Show made a welcome return on Saturday.
Visitors enjoyed music from Avening Silver Band, who were playing for the first time in many months.
This year’s flower queen was Skye Greenway and, in a break with tradition, there was a flower king too, with Neo Jefferies looking splendid in the role. They were attended by Millie Davis, Isla Newton-White and Gracie Painter.
Joining them to open the fete were Tommie and Lucie Ryan-Gericks, who made many friends in Bisley during the years they ran the George Stores and Bisley Post Office.
Other fete highlights included a fun dog show, country dancing from past and present pupils of Bisley Blue Coat Primary School and plenty of stalls to peruse.
“We were absolutely thrilled to welcome many people to Bisley for our flower show and fete,” said Sue Bradley.
“We think the event has been running since around 1863 and is a real village institution and we really missed not having it in 2020. Some former villagers made long journeys to join us for the day and it was lovely to see them.
“Bisley Fete is held to raise money towards the upkeep of All Saints’ Church in Bisley, a building many people use through the year even if they’re not regular attenders.
“The best thing about the event is that it’s a real community effort, with countless people contributing their time, skills and energy to make the day a real success.”