Kew Midsummer Fete – A Triumph!

A GREAT DAY FOR KEW MIDSUMMER FETE GOERS, DESPITE HEATWAVE WARNINGS!

The Kew community and wider London came out in force last Saturday 21st June to support Kew Fete, despite temperatures rising to 30 degrees. A little cloud cover gave everyone the chance to enjoy the amazing range of highly professional stalls, the delicious food from all points around the world, the traditional funfair and the entertainment on the Stage, sponsored by Savills which began with a few ‘unplugged’ acts thanks to a generator glitch!

In the best of spirits, however the show went on and those performers affected were troopers until full sound amplification was restored thanks to the Eel Pie Two who then got everyone bopping to their rockabilly tunes. Brilliant karate and dance displays by local clubs also followed the other musical acts.

The Dog Show which had to be cancelled was sorely missed but it was agreed by sponsor Richmond Vets that all pooches were better off at home in the heat. For humans, both old and young it was a chance to enjoy the sunshine, eat lots of ice cream, get their face painted by supporter’s Living In magazines, take the Big Wheel for a birds-eye view of the Fete and join in the popular Tug of War, ably assisted by a couple of local firemen who dropped by.

The Beer Tent run by The Coach & Horses and Tea Tent, sponsored by Mum’s Wholefoods both did a roaring trade in beer, tea and donated cakes and many people stopped to admire the smart cars from sponsor, Mercedes-Benz parked on the Green. Children stepped up for the speed goal run by sponsor Brentford FC while their mascots Buzz and Buzzette braved the heat in their fuzzy costumes!

Once again, the volunteer Committee and all those who volunteered to help on the day did an outstanding job bringing this wonderful community highlight together and the charity raffle, drawn by local deputy major of the Borough, Clare Vollum was a great hit, with top prize of a pizza oven.

While takings may be a little down on previous years, it is anticipated that thanks to sponsorship donations including from platinum sponsor, The Hill Group in partnership with L&Q, that the 12 local charities selected for donations will all receive some contribution which is fantastic news for everyone who helped to stage the event, who took part and the many visitors whose smiles said it all. for

Thanks to Andy Becker for the photos!