Where it started...
Back in August 2018 a Patcham Facebook post asked the simple question ‘Who remembers the Duck Fayre?’ and within a matter of days over 100 people replied with fond childhood memories of kiddy rides on the Elms forecourt, the smell of candyfloss and BBQs, brass bands and the long wooden slide that used to run down the road opposite the Scout hut! So we began work on forming a committee and bringing Patcham Duck Fayre back in May 2019.
We want to say a big thank you to the Patcham 44th Scout group who started the event way back in the 1990’s and for giving us their blessing for the
revival of the Fayre.
Nobody is quite sure why the Patcham Scouts called their local fete a Duck Fayre? Rumour has it ducks from the pond on the green outside All Saints Church used to wander down Church Hill into the village and be chased back up the hill with brooms
Turning a Vision into Reality
The committee – formed in September 2018 worked so hard to ensure the day was success - we tried to keep the ‘vintage-style’ approach but with a modern twist. We worked for months to secure sponsors, fundraising events, design a 32 page brochure that went out to 5,000 homes locally, posters, banners and so much more to make sure everyone knew about the fayre! We are truly grateful to the lovely people of Patcham and beyond who turned out in their thousands on May 19th 2019 to support the revival of the fayre.
After being forced to cancel 2020's fair due to Covid19 we were pleased to return in 2021. This time moving the fair to August and to Patcham Junior school fields to allow for plenty of spacing for social distancing. The fair featured over 70 stalls, funfair rides, food and drink, a RSPCA dog show, live stage and performances, and handmade crafts in the community centre. The fair was a huge success with thousands of visitors. The 2022 fair was another great success with additions including the Brighton Belles WI Tea Tent.
We're pleased to announce we will return on bank holiday weekend in 2023 - Sunday 27th August on Patcham Junior and High school fields.
A Community Celebration...
Most of all, the day is about celebrating Patcham and all the good things that happen in our community. All of our committee members volunteer their time, which we are very thankful for. We are currently working on plans for Patcham Duck Fayre in August 2023 so stay tuned for more updates on that to follow!