what a wonderful day that was!
Over 4,500 visitors saw Otford come alive on Bank Holiday Monday 27th May as eight vintage 2CVs (and their appropriately dressed owners) arrived at the recreation ground, evoking a sense of a past era. Elands Veterinary Clinic hosted their beloved dog show, featuring categories for Monsieur/Madame and Le Petit Chien of Otford. Later, many happy dogs were seen wearing their winning rosettes.
Jenny Kelly and a talented group of local makers once again formed the ever-expanding craft village for which we have received much positive feedback from both the public and the stallholders. If you saw something that took your fancy on the day but you didn’t take it home with you, you can find details of all the craft stall holders right here!
We are incredibly grateful to our amazing volunteers who very generously gave up their time to help on the day (and the day before!). Whether setting up in the morning (we were on site from 7.00am!) selling tickets or being available for information. We couldn’t run an event of this size without your help. If you would like to join our growing team of volunteers, please contact volunteers@otfordsociety.org.uk
Finally, huge thanks to this year’s sponsor St Michael’s Prep School. Their generous donation enabled us to have a professionally run PA system and mobile music caravan. This meant our fabulous performers were able to keep us entertained in true British spirit despite the rain!
We’ll see you again next year on Bank Holiday Monday 26 May 2025 but before that, our third Christmas Fayre is taking place on Saturday 23 November. Look out for more information in the October Otford Parish Council Newsletter or on the Otford Society website!
coming to the fete and want to plan your visit?
If you are planning on coming to this year’s fete and you want to know more, click the button below which will take you to the page that should have all the answers to your questions.
2024 FETE PROGRAMME
This year we have decided not to print paper copies of the fete programme. Instead, you’ll be able to use your phone to scan a QR code which will direct you to the website where you’ll be able to find everything you need to know about what’s happening on the day. You’ll find the QR codes on posters which will be located around the Recreation Ground and the Village.
volunteers needed!
Something special at the 2023 Fete was the number of volunteers who signed up to help on the day. One new volunteer, who usually works on one of the village stalls, told us:
“I come every year to help out on the day for a few hours. What I hadn’t realised was what goes on behind the scenes, and how many hours the Committee put in to make the Otford Fete one of the best events in Kent”.
She immediately volunteered to help again at this year’s Fete. If you would like to do the same, please do get in touch via the button below. As they say, many hands make light work, and it is such a worthy cause. Not only do we put on a great fun day out for everyone, we also support local people and organisations with our charity. We would love to have you on the volunteer team!
Thank you to our sponsors
The Otford Village Fete wish to thank our generous sponsors for their support of this wonderful local event.
st michael’s prep school
St Michael’s Prep School is proud to be sponsoring the Otford Village Fete this year and to be part of such an exciting highlight of the local calendar. For the past century St Michael's Prep has been educating children in our glorious North Downs, using the natural beauty, rich heritage and connection with the local community of Otford village to inspire its lifelong learners. A co-educational school for children aged 2 to 13 years, St Michael’s Prep is driven by a passionate belief in the Joy and Wonder of Learning which they look forward to sharing with visitors to their stall at this year’s Fete.
down to earth
We are very grateful to Down To Earth for being this year’s sponsor of the Otford Village Fete Craft Village
The Oast
Preston Farm
Shoreham
Kent TN14 7UD
WHAT’S HAPPENING
There are fairground attractions, kids entertainment, music, food and lots of shopping. What will you do first?
The Gallery is Open
In 2023 we were very lucky to have Lucia Hrastic, a new Otford resident, photographer, and now a Committee Member, capture the day for us. Take a look at the Gallery to see all the lovely photos she took.
GUIDE DOGS CHARITY
We continue to support Guide Dogs as we were very proud to have named a dog “Becket” having made a donation to this wonderful charity following our 2019 Otford Village Fete
why we have a fete
The Otford Village Fete has run for over 75 years and brings a lot of joy to everyone, but find out who benefits from the fete.
Visit the Otford Heritage site to find out more about our wonderful village and its fascinating history.