THOUSANDS of people are expected to come to Wokingham on Monday to enjoy the annual May Fayre.
The annual extravaganza will take place in the town centre in a new format as a result of the regeneration, and organisers said that once again charities, local groups and companies will be coming together for a day of non-stop fun.
Co-ordinated by Wokingham Lions, the event will be held in Broad Street and Market Place.
And the event is as popular as ever – the highest ever number of charity stalls will be in town and there will be a host of entertainment including a Punch and Judy show, magic, street entertainers and attractions including a fun fair and a zoo.
Chairman of the May Fayre, Andy Slay, said: “We’re looking forward to enjoying the new Market Place this year. It provides a lot of space and has more scope than the previous area – it’s more usable, and it’s useful that it also has power supplies available.
“We have a record number of stalls booked in.”
Broad Street will once again feature small fairground rides, an animal petting zoo, a food area with seating and a good number of stalls of various types.
Free entertainment will be on the stage in the entrance to Rose Street throughout the day.
Mr Slay continued: “There will also be morris dancers and jazz bands together with a few other surprises that will pop up here and there, so if you hear music follow your ears and find out what is happening.
“There will also be Maypole dancing this year, while the ever-popular petting zoo will return.
“The Food Court area in Broad Street was very successful and it’s back this year.”
The event raises thousands for good causes across the borough. This year, the main charities will be Me2 Club and Homestart.
Mr Slay said: “My thanks to the team of volunteers who have helped to put this event on, the sponsors and the Town and Borough Councils for their enormous support in making the May Fayre happen.
“Every year the May Fayre raises a substantial amount of money for local charities and we think provides a fun day and helps to give our town a sense of community in conjunction with the other annual events like the Wokingham Walk, Bikeathon, Wokingham Festival, Charity Fireworks, Winter Carnival etc etc.”
He added: “I’m really proud to organise the event and I hope the new residents of Wokingham will come along and discover the great sense of community we have here.”
While Andy has one eye on Monday’s big event, he also has a vision for next year.
“The new Elms Field will be open and I’m very, very much looking forward to being able to use it,” he said.
The event runs from 10am to 5pm and entry is free, although there may be a charge for some activities.
For more details, log on to www.wokinghamlions.org.uk.
The Crispin in Denmark Street will hold a barbecue from 1pm to 6pm in the pub’s beer garden.
