BIGGER THAN EVER -

Sissinghurst's Traditional Village Fete

 

 

 

 

 

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Sissinghurst Castle being handed over to the National Trust by Nigel Nicolson, the venue of the traditional Sissinghurst  Village Fete has been transferred to The Plain in front of the world famous garden on

August Bank Holiday Monday, (27th August).

 

The National Trust staff working at Sissinghurst Castle have enthusiastically embraced the spirit of this event and many are contributing to the range  of entertainment at Sissinghurst Castle, which includes entertainment, traditional village activities together with the annual dog show (Sissinghurst's answer to Crufts!) family sports day races plus the Sheepwash Silver Band, make this the biggest and most exciting village Fete held in the village.

 

Also part of this years celebration is the Sissinghurst Castle farmers market where local produce is on sale.

 

Sam Butler, Visitors Services Manager for Sissinghurst Castle Garden said "The village fete will be the highlight of this years celebrations to recognise the 40th anniversary of the Castle gardens and farm being part of the National Trust."

 

Traditional village activity at the Fete including Tossing The Hop Sack, wood turning, wool spinning and a coconut shy plus, Maypole Dancing all add up to the days excitement.    

 

The Sissinghurst Traditional Village Fete will be opened by ADAM NICOLSON the son of Nigel Nicolson, the grandson of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.

 

ADAM is an award-winning writer and journalist. His books include the National Trust Book of Long Walks, Frontiers, which won the Somerset Maugham Prize in 1985, Restoration, which tells the story of the rebuilding of Windsor Castle and Men of Honour:Trafalgar and the Making of the English Hero.

 

Over a four year period ADAM wrote a weekly column 'The View From Perch Hill' for the Sunday Telegraph.

 

Adam is married to the writer and horticulturist Sarah Raven, and they live at Perch Hill Farm in the Sussex Weald with their children and at Sissinghurst Castle.

 

ADAM is following in the footsteps of his father NIGEL opening today's village Fete.

 

Proceeds from the village Fete will be shared amongst all village organisations and clubs including the Bun Penny Club, Darby & Joan, Cubs and Brownies, Cricket Club and other groups.

 

The annual village Tug Of War for the Rankins Tea Pot Challenge Trophy will be the last sporting event of the day.

 

A free park and ride bus facility will carry residents and visitors to and from Sissinghurst Village to the Castle,  

 

Sue McAuley, the Chair of the Sissinghurst Fete Committee said "We try and make the village Fete a real traditional event  that can be enjoyed by everybody,"  She added "This year we are working closely with the National Trust,  and with their Bank Holiday visitors and our village families and visitors we expect huge crowds - everyone is welcome to come and enjoy themselves."