Community Spirit Shines at the 30th Melbourn Fete
The milestone 30th annual Melbourn Village Fete proved to be a resounding success, bringing together residents from Melbourn, neighbouring Meldreth, and the wider South Cambridgeshire and Royston areas for a spectacular day of celebration.
Run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, this year’s fete proudly maintained its tradition of offering free entry, free parking, and highly accessible entertainment.
A Warm Welcome and Record Turnout
The event, which ran from 12 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, 13th June, was officially opened by Pippa Heylings, MP for South Cambridgeshire. In her opening address, Heylings warmly noted that the Melbourn Fete holds “a special place in her heart.”
Blessed with a pleasant mix of sunshine and light cloud cover, the event drew many visitors to Melbourn. Amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the organising committee’s commitment to keeping the event accessible was highly evident. Families enjoyed an array of children’s rides and activities that were either entirely free or capped at a maximum of £2, alongside popular charity tractor rides raising vital funds for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.
Fine Food and Live Music
The culinary offerings at this year’s fete were a major highlight. Visitors were treated to a diverse range of high-quality options with more food vans than previous years, including gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese, Japanese sandos, artisan ice cream, and excellent local beers. The vibrant atmosphere was further elevated by a fantastic lineup of live music provided by talented local musicians.
Arena Highlights: Magic, Pooches, and High-Energy Stunts
The main arena hosted a packed schedule of entertainment, kicking off with a classic village dog show that showcased a wonderful variety of local talent and well-behaved companions.
Following the dog show, magician JezO captivated the crowd with his illusions, setting the stage for the high-octane thrills of Dangerous Steve. The stunt performer kept the audience on the edge of their seats with an array of daring feats, including juggling a chainsaw, riding a unicycle with flaming torches, and performing blindfolded motorbike jumps.
The annual Dino Derby – now a firm favourite at the fete – delivered its usual dose of thrilling, chaotic fun with the shenanigans of people racing in inflatable dinosaur suits. Local businesses and organisations went head-to-head in costume, with Drew Spencer, running on behalf of Levis Mendonca of Sheene Mill, ultimately taking home the victory.
The excitement of the races was followed by a beautifully curated classic vehicle parade. Motoring enthusiasts were treated to a stunning display of vintage Jaguar E-Types, alongside an impressive lineup of classic tractors, offering a nostalgic and relaxed conclusion to the afternoon’s arena events.
A Community Success
By all metrics, the 30th Melbourn Fete was an absolute triumph. Between the exceptional variety of local food and drink, the high-energy arena entertainment, and the wonderfully cooperative summer weather, the afternoon offered an unbeatable experience for visitors of all ages. Most importantly, the committee’s dedication to keeping the event accessible ensured a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere that truly highlighted the very best of local community spirit.
The organising committee extends its heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who assisted with setup and pack-down, the generous sponsors whose funding keeps the event accessible, and the thousands of attendees who came out to support the day.
For updates visit, www.melbournfete.co.uk
