Well, it's all over for another year - the ducks are resting, the maypole dancers are resting, the organisers are definitely resting !!
It was a great day, with what certainly seemed like a record number of visitors keeping the car park marshals and the refreshment volunteers in the village hall on their toes all day. Despite a rather dismal forecast the weather was fantastic and allowed everyone to enjoy the spring sunshine, and all the activities, the music, the games, the shopping opportunities and all the food and drink on offer.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the event - many, many people, helping out in all sorts of ways, before, during and afterwards, we couldn't do it without you.
If you weren't there just look below to see what you missed!
May Fayre
Monday May 6th 2024 10am - 4pm
After last year's break, the Braunston May Fayre is back!
Our peaceful and picturesque village will once again be transformed into a lively whirl of activity with a thriving street market, children's fairground rides, family games, a craft market in the church, Games on the Green outside the Village Hall including a bouncy castle, coconut shy, skittles and who knows what else.
Win, win, win
There will be two tombolas, one for adults and one for children, and a grand raffle with some superb and valuable prizes, all of which have kindly been donated by local people or companies. Top prizes include:
- Lunch for two at The Wolseley in Piccadilly, donated by Smith-Eliot Financial Managemen
- Lunch for two at The George Hotel in Stamford, donated by Sean Connolly
- A Fortnum & Mason Hamper, donated by James Sellicks Estate Agents Limited
- Meal for two at Hambleton Hall donated by Top 555
- Bumper Hamper donated by Gates Garden Centre
Eat and drink
Throughout the day, there will be food and refreshments including burgers, a hog roast, ice creams from local food companies, and much more. The Blue Ball will be open for drinks, and the village hall will serve teas and coffees, sandwiches and, of course, Braunston's delicious home-baked cakes.
Entertainment and events
There will be live music, dance performances, craft market stalls, classic cars, and so much more! The schedule for the day has nowbeen finalised so have a look at it to find out what's on when and where.
Charities
All money raised at the May Fayre goes back into the community, and this year most will go to the church fabric repair fund. Our external supported charity is the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association who provide life-changing experiences for disabled children and adults across the UK.
Parking
As in previous years, the main streets will be coned off and parking will be available at the edge of the village for just £2 all day.
We're making some changes this year to parking locations. The main car park will be along Brooke Rd, on the left hand side as you exit the village. To minimise traffic congestion we ask that you approach the car park by driving down Church St and left into Brooke Rd, and when leaving, if you are going towards Oakham, by turning left out of the car park and back via Brooke Rd rather than through the village.
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Free disabled parking will be available in the usual place in Hanbury Gardens, along Church St, and parking for stallholders will be on the Brooke Road playing field - just follow the signs.
Street and Church Stalls
Booking for Street Stalls and Church Stalls are already being taken. . If you would like a Street Stall, please contact Karen at karenbraunstonrutlanduk@gmail.com or for a craft stall in the church, get in touch with Mike at miketamsin@btinternet.com.
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Willing volunteers needed !
We are, of course, always looking for volunteers to help make the day a success. If you're in the village and would like to help out, either in the pre-fayre organisation, or on the day itself, please get in touch . It's a great way to meet people and get involved in village life. Whatever your skills, we have something for you; baking cakes, drumming up raffle prizes, helping with the car park, putting up posters, running the skittles, serving teas, rescuing the ducks and so much more.
And we're always happy to have more dancers for the traditional maypole dancing at the close of the show. We're looking for boys and girls from about 8 years old and upwards and practice sessions are held on Sunday mornings in the village hall. Whether you live in the village or not you're welcome to join the action.
If you're interested, please get in touch - it's great fun for the kids.
The Braunston May Day tradition dates back many years – this is the May Queen and her attendants back in 1925 . . . .
. . . . and the tradition continues to this day