Another fabulous Fete
Fancy dress contestants
Arlingtonians know how to have fun! Our Summer Fete was both hugely enjoyable and a huge success. Thanks to all our stalwart organisers and volunteers, we beat last year’s record takings and raised an amazing £3,000.
The day dawned wet and grey but by lunchtime the skies were clear and Arlington Square was abuzz with bunting, tables of tempting treats, home cooking, games and competitions, and happy small people in fancy dress.
Our first Great Arlington Bake Off was a triumph. The creativity and baking powers of Arlingtonians was impressive to behold, and N1 Women’s Institute President Amy Scrivener had a difficult time choosing the eventual winners.
Lorenza Galeone, LaLa Thorpe, Zoe Benbow and Victoria Francis expertly judged the Arlington Art competition and Fete-goers enjoyed viewing all the creative entries.
Throughout the afternoon we were entertained by wonderful swing music from the WTW Big Band. And when the band took a break, strolling accordionist Joe Corbett kept the party going.
Our very grateful thanks to everyone who staffed the stalls, baked cakes, moved tables, hung bunting, entered the competitions, made jam, played music and helped with the hundred and one other things that made the Fete such a great community event.
We are very grateful to the generous local businesses that offered us such glorious raffle prizes. The raffle was a great success and contributed over £400 to our record takings. So a large Thank You to the Estorick Collection, the Emirates Stadium, the Hanbury Arms, the North Pole, Angel Flowers, Crystal Dry Cleaners, Oasis Hair & Beauty, James Elliott Butchers, Saponara and the Co-op Gainsborough.
The record-breaking proceeds from the Fete will be divided between the St John’s Youth Centre, the renovation of the Arlington Project’s garden for residents with learning disabilities, the Islington Proms piano fund and our ongoing work improving Arlington Square.
The Fete’s expenses were covered by grants from Groundwork and Hyde Housing, for which very many grateful thanks.