Ballingdon fete hailed a huge success

Ballingdon’s first fete in living memory has been described as ‘absolutely phenomenal’ after making a triumphant return last weekend.

With a fun dog show, live music, a bake-off competition, stalls and games, the event on Kone Vale – a meadow off Middleton Road and Ballingdon Street – was deemed a resounding success.

It raised £2,000 for the Eden-Rose Coppice Trust, which gives cancer patients, their families, volunteers, carers and nurses an opportunity to connect with nature at its woodland retreat near Ballingdon.

Eden-Rose team leader Rob Brooks said: “It was very successful and I was absolutely bowled over by the response to it.

“I’ve never seen such a successful fete; it was absolutely phenomenal. I am really looking forward to next year’s now.”

As well as 25 different stalls, there were traditional fete games and a competition involving throwing a toy sheep at targets.

AFC in the Community gave children the opportunity to try out their shooting and dribbling football skills.

The dog show included an agility course and prizes were provided by Seedee pet shop.

Organising committee member Nicki Dixon said around 500 people came along to Sunday’s fete, enjoying the activities and the fine weather.

“We had some great feedback and everyone commented on what a lovely atmosphere it was,” she said.

“It was absolutely brilliant. We held it for two reasons: to raise money for charity and to bring the community together, and we think we ticked both boxes.”

She said the organising committee wanted to thank everyone who took part, came along and helped, including Scouts, AFC in the Community, Sudbury Community Wardens, Sudbury mayor Sue Ayres, who opened the event, and Suffolk Fire Service.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make the day so brilliant,” she said. “It’s the first Ballingdon fete in living memory.”