New Romney Country Fayre has traditionally always guaranteed sunshine. However, the weather forecast predicted it could be a day of sunshine and showers for the largest attended free event on the Romney Marsh, and it didn’t disappoint.
With early rain at 6.00 am organisers feared the worst, but as the morning drew on the rain clouds seemed to be blown away and the sunshine came out right on cue for the annual parade up Station Road and through the Town centre.
Crowds of cheering people lined the route as the procession, made up of Samba drums, bagpipes marching bands plus a whole host of dance troupes and baton twirlers paraded its way to St Martin’s Field.
The attendance of councillors and visiting dignitaries was down on previous years, but those who did choose to take part waved and dug deep in their pockets to donate to the many local charities taking part.
On entering the main arena, those sporting fancy dress where judged, and cups and certificates handed out. The event was then officially opened by ‘Scouting Leading Light’ and all round local personality, Veronica Bailey, who had the honour of opening this year’s fayre.
In glorious sunshine crowds enjoyed many returning attractions such as the hypnotic sounds of the ‘Bloco Flogo’ Samba band who had every one entranced, along with Olivant’s Equine Display team with their stunning black stallions who wowed the audience with their skills and horsemanship.
Every year the organisers manage to supply a complete mix of entertainment for the whole family, with two fields packed with mainly local stalls selling everything from homemade goods to sweets and treats and trade stands from the likes of EDF and Ethelbert fostering services.
However, like all good things, the rain clouds gathered and the sunshine came to an end. Many braved the torrent but for some it was too much.
By 3pm it was all but over, which must have been a huge disappointment for the organisers as so much goes into arranging this event every year. Unfortunately, the weather is the one thing that cannot be guaranteed and can so often make or break an event like this.
It was so nearly the perfect day, but in the end, the rain got the better of it.