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In pictures: History of Isle of Grain Fete and Carnival as it returns

14:31, 15 July 2022

updated: 14:33, 15 July 2022

As a village looks to celebrate its annual carnival again this weekend, we take a look back at its history.

The Isle of Grain fete has been running since 1947 and is coming up to its 75th anniversary.

A undated photo of Grain Youth Club's float. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
A undated photo of Grain Youth Club's float. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
It has been running since 1947. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
It has been running since 1947. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
It is celebrating more than 70 years of the fete. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
It is celebrating more than 70 years of the fete. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy

It is originally believed to have started because residents wanted to have their own village hall for celebrations and meetings.

Someone suggested the remote village in Medway put on a carnival to raise funds for the building, but locally-based BP then stepped in and helped with the cash.

Now, money raised goes towards paying for the event the following year.

The fete used to be held in the Old Vicarage Garden but now congregates at St James Playing Field adjacent to the primary school.

It has been organised by a host of people over the years including the village school, parish council and now a designated committee.

It is celebrating more than 70 years of the fete. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
It is celebrating more than 70 years of the fete. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
An undated photo from a former parade. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
An undated photo from a former parade. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
The Carnival Queen's from a past parade. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
The Carnival Queen's from a past parade. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
There will be seven floats this year. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
There will be seven floats this year. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy

It has gradually grown over time and now has carnival entries from all over Kent and the country including from Corby, Northamptonshire.

Committee secretary Lorraine Giddy said: "We did stop for two years because of Covid regulations, so the village will be out in force this year, especially with the nice weather."

This year the parade will leave Power Station Road at 1.30pm tomorrow (Saturday), and will go into the High Street, turn left into Pannell Road, along Green Lane, right into Chapel Road, back into the High Street, past the Hogarth Inn and then onto St James playing field.

The procession will start at 1.30pm. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
The procession will start at 1.30pm. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
A King's Ferry coach part of a past parade. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
A King's Ferry coach part of a past parade. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
Children on top one of the past floats. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy
Children on top one of the past floats. Picture supplied by: Lorraine Giddy

The 90-minute procession will be made up on seven floats and 11 walking groups and led by members of the Kent Fire Brigade.

There will also be entertainment after the parade, starting at 3pm, including dancing, bands, stalls, Frozen's Ana and Elsa, Mr Bones Sideshow and a beer tent.

Road closures will be in place throughout the afternoon and visitors can park at Laings Field, ME3 0EN.

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