Some 40 years since its last appearance, the Borden fete returned at the weekend with more than 1,000 people attending.

The event began as a celebration for returning Second World War serviceman and became an annual part of village life. But it closed in the 1970s after organisers felt it was too expensive to continue.

This year’s event took place on Saturday between 11.30am and 4.30pm at the Playstool.
Eileen Harrison, secretary of Borden village fete committee, said: “It had a traditional feel with some of the stalls and the dog training bringing people in.”

The parish council brought it back after smaller celebrations for the royal wedding and Diamond Jubilee were successfully held.

There were 60 stalls including Macmillan Cancer Support and Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association which were raising money.

The day was free to attend and had attractions including a bouncy castle, fancy dress competitions, a merry-go-round and a flying model aircraft exhibition.

There was also a number of arts and crafts around the playing field. Visitors could also sample a variety of food and drink from the beer tent, hot food stalls and cake stands.

Mrs Harrison said: “It looks very likely that we will have one next year during the summer.

“The committee will meet to decide but the stallholders are saying they want to do it again.”