Ask anyone who’s grown up in Great Oakley what September means, and the fete will come up before long. For over 30 years it’s marked the turn of the season here, and this year is no exception. Claire Marsh and her team of volunteers are once again putting together an afternoon that’s become woven into the village calendar, returning this year on Sunday 6th September.

Local groups, organisations and residents pitch in wherever they’re needed, running a stall, helping with the setup, or getting involved on the day itself. Claire has poured years into building it into what it is now, but it’s the community around her that keeps it going. Volunteers, groups or anyone who’d like to help are always welcome to get in touch.

What makes the fete stick in people’s minds isn’t really the stalls, though. It’s the mix: familiar faces next to new ones, families who’ve been coming for a decade alongside people turning up for the very first time. Ask around and most people will tell you the same thing. They keep coming back.

There’s a good lineup this year. The dog show, run by NANNAs, never fails to draw a crowd, and the duck race is back too, a proper Great Oakley institution, not least for the year Claire’s brother Matthew ended up in the stream himself while trying to help the ducks along. Classic cars will be on show, the Vikings of Mercia return with something a bit different for the afternoon, and local craft stalls give visitors the chance to browse and support local makers. There will be refreshments too, so there’s plenty of reason to stay and wander. The church stalls, run by church members, round the day off nicely.

Funds raised this year go to St Michael’s Church, which is far more than a place of worship for the village. It supports events and activities throughout the year, and every penny raised helps ensure it can continue to be used and enjoyed by everyone.

Gates open at 2pm, closing at 5pm, on Sunday 6th September at St Michael’s Church, Great Oakley. Parking is nearby and clearly signposted on the day.

Come along and have a stall. Claire would love to hear from you, whether that’s helping organise, running a stall, or donating items. Get in touch at greatoakleyfete@gmail.com for more details, or follow updates and photos on Facebook at facebook.com/stmichaelsgo.