Return of Whittlesey Festival hailed a great success

Due to the impact and after-effects of Covid, the traditional event was last held in 2019.

But the event returned with a bang on Sunday (10 September) when large crowds enjoyed a packed programme of fun in the late summer sunshine.

Romford Drum and Trumpet Corp

After enjoying a grand opening parade, visitors and residents alike soaked up a bigger than ever classic vehicle show showcasing 150 cars, while a diverse assortment of live music and dance acts offered an eclectic programme of entertainment.

Highlights included the Black Eagles Tanzanian Acrobatic and Dance Group and a festival finale including Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps Marching Band and Peterborough Highland Pipe Band.

Classic car show

There was also an art exhibition by school students, a craft fair, game stalls and street food vendors, plus plenty of fair rides - many of them free of charge thanks to sponsorship from local businesses and organisations and community donations.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for markets and events, said: "Fenland District Council is delighted to have been able to support the return of Whittlesey Festival.

"Credit has to go to the dedicated festival committee for making the event such a huge success which was clearly very popular. I know they would also want to express their gratitude to all the sponsors, businesses, entertainers and everyone involved who made it the massive community success it was.

Speaking about the heat and afternoon deluge, Cllr Murphy added:"The weather provided challenges throughout with it being extremely hot and then a very heavy downpour towards the end of the event but none of it dampened the joy of the day."

Peterborough Highland Pipe Band

Marija Lysak, Whittlesey Festival Committee Member, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people supporting the festival on the day.  As a committee we start to plan the event at least 12 months in advance and seeing the smiles on people's faces, as they enjoyed the performers, and all the other attractions of the festival  makes all of our hard work worthwhile.

"It's wonderful to see the community coming together, people of all ages and backgrounds, both from the local area and far and wide. We look forward to next year's event on Sunday, 8 September 2024."

Black Eagles Tanzanian Acrobatic and Dance Group

• The Whittlesey Festival is one of Fenland District Council's Four Seasons events, a series of large community events organised with a host of community partners in each of our market towns, offering something for everyone to enjoy all year round. Find out more: Four Seasons events.

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September 2023