Text and Photos by Guann-Yeu Chin
On behalf of Melbourn Fete Committee
2025’s edition of the Melbourn Fete was graced with beautiful weather after the complaints we received about the rain provided in 2024 – you’re welcome, Melbourn :P
Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the Fete, with a huge thank you to those who sponsored the event, and an equally huge thank you to those who volunteered their time to make the Fete possible. Enjoy the photos and see you in 2026!
This year, we thought we’d give you a look at some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on to make Melbourn Fete possible. Marking out the Moor for the stalls, arena, food court etc. is a precision job, and we sent our white lining team out with clinometers, line paint and a bit of Pythagoras Theorem (no, really!) on Friday morning to make it happen.
Along with making preparations in the pavilion and around the Moor, it takes most of the day. And then there’s the day of the Fete itself – an early start and a late finish, but we think it’s worth it! While we have a dedicated corps of volunteers, we could always do with some extra help, so if you’re able to give a little time here and there, please do let us know – it would be greatly appreciated!
But enough with the shameless appeal for volunteers…you want to see what went on, don’t you? Well, the Fete was opened officially by our guest of honour, BBC Correspondent Janine Machin, who kicked off our Arena events:
The Arena saw the return of the Dog Show for the first time in a fair while. We had the wonderful Lily from Suppawt judging our entrants, and we enjoyed seeing the beautiful pooches on display. Thank you to all our canine friends and their human owners for entering!
The Arena also saw demonstrations by local groups, including Jazzercise and Line Dancing, and the Da Vinci Challenge by Bassingbourn Air Training Corps – assembling a self-supporting bridge based on a design by the maestro.
We also had some amazing magic by Michael Diamond, who wowed visitors with his arena show and close-up magic around the Fete.
Dinosaur Racing returned (we were doing it before it was popular!) and it was carnage as usual – much to the crowd’s amusement…
We also saw a fantastic turnout of classic cars, with many taking part in the ‘Pride of Ownership’ parade in the Arena, including these beauties:
The food court brought a wonderful selection of food and drink options, which visitors could enjoy as they were entertained by our amazing musicians.
There were stalls aplenty, showcasing the variety of things we have locally: artisans, stores, good causes and groups, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year.
And who can forget the other entertainments – the train, the bouncy castles, the DJ tent, Beat the Goalie(s) and more…
And that is nearly a wrap for the 2025 edition of Melbourn Fete, but in the immortal words of TV detective Columbo, ‘Just one more thing.’
This was our Chair, Gillian Morland’s, last Fete. Gillian has led the Fete since its inception and has been the driving force behind the good work the Fete has done over all these years. She has been a familiar voice on the PA, commentating on arena events, and a guiding hand behind the scenes, herding the cats that are committee members. But fear not, she has not hung up her volunteering boots just yet – she will be spearheading the Melbourn Village Voice, the successor to the Melbourn Magazine, whose last issue will be in Winter 2025.
Through the years, Gillian has been ably supported and encouraged by husband Rob and their children, Kay and Zoe. We are incredibly grateful to the Morland family for all they have done for the Fete – it won’t be the same without you – and we will endeavour to build on the legacy you leave.
Thank you Gillian, Rob, Kay and Zoe!
