New Year 2022 | Chair’s Report

It is the time of the year when the mornings become colder and the days become shorter. An odd time to turn attention to next summer, but that is what a group of people are currently doing with the planning for next year’s Fen Edge Festival. We hope that it will take place from 24–26 June, 2022. But a number of things need to fall into place for it to happen: most importantly, the organising committee and sponsorship.

Fen Edge Villages contain an extraordinary group of people with an extraordinary range of talents and experience. For anyone looking to give something back to the villages, this is a great way to do so. It’s a classic case of many hands make light work and it is one of the most satisfying things you can do. If you are interested, email chair@fenedge.co.uk

Sponsorship is equally important. One of the principles of the Festival is that a family can enjoy the weekend at modest expense. We keep the music and entertainment events free and the price of rides well below commercial levels, particularly for children by limiting the main rides and activities to a £1 charge. But we also have a lot of overheads relating to the marquees, toilets, security, etc. To bridge this gap, we need significant sponsorship from local businesses. We have a number of very loyal sponsors who contribute festival after festival, but there are also those that haven’t taken up the opportunity to do so. If you are one of those businesses and are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact chair@fenedgefestival.co.uk
It’s a great way to engage with the local customer base and we are open to ways to recognise your contribution through event advertising.

Lastly, a message for our member organisations. We know that the Festival represents an important opportunity for community groups and organisations to increase their profile, raise money and attract new members. Please take the next couple of months to think about how you would like to engage in the events whether that is running a competition, a stall, or putting on a demonstration.

While the next few months might mean we spend a bit longer indoors, I hope that at least some of you will be tempted to spend some of that time getting involved in the Festival. When hopefully, the Festival takes place next summer, some people will inevitably say, “This event is wonderful and it is truly astonishing what our villages can accomplish.” It is astonishing, but there is no magic. It is the product of the hard work of a dedicated team of people that makes it all possible. Please get involved.

In the meantime, best wishes for a safe and enjoyable few months, including what we all hope will be a delightful festive season.

Neil Gough
Chair – Fen Edge Community Association
chair@fenedge.co.uk