After more than 40 years, Borden’s traditional full-scale village fete is back again.
It started as a ‘celebration’ for returning servicemen after the Second World War and soon became an annual event due to its popularity.
In the 1960s it included airborne displays and marching bands such as the Dagenham Girl Pipers.
But by the 1970s organisers, made up of local farmers and residents, decided to end it due to increasing costs.
A scaled down version has been held on The Playstool recreation ground over the years but nothing compared to the original.
So when community spirit was shown by villagers during the celebrations for the royal wedding and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the parish council decided to explore the possibility of reintroducing the fete.
A group of parishioners formed the Borden Village Fete Committee last September.
After a lot of work – and with the help and support of St Peter and Paul Church, Borden Primary School, WI members and local sports clubs and businesses – the fete has become a reality.
It will be held at The Playstool, which can be accessed from The Street or Wises Lane, on Saturday, June 22, from 11.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is free.
Attractions include a bouncy castle, knobbly knees and children’s fancy dress competition, a merry-go-round and fairground organ, dog training exhibition and flying model aircraft demonstration.
There will also be a beer tent, and hot food plus a number of stalls selling cakes, produce and crafts.
Charities and organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association will also be represented on the day to raise funds for their own causes.
Face Value will play live music throughout the day.
Eileen Harrison, parish councillor and secretary of the committee, said: “Everyone is very excited about it.
“We covered the costs by charging stall holders £10 each, we also got funding from Swale council’s local engagement fund as well as sponsorship from businesses.
“The fete isn’t just for villagers to attend, it’s open to everyone.
“We’ll see how it goes on the day, but if it proves to be a success it could become an annual event.”