Rain-delayed Diamond Jubilee Fete will now go ahead this Sunday

By Harriet Ernstsons 17/08 Updated: 17/08 09:38

A MASS celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, delayed because of bad weather, is set to be restaged this weekend.

The Abbeyside Friends Fête was originally scheduled for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend in June, but torrential rainfall on the day meant organisers were forced to pull the plug at the 11th hour.

But they are hoping residents will now turnout on Sunday (August 19) at 12pm on the field off Easemore Road to join in the belated celebrations.

The 1950s style event will include old schools’ sports day activities such as egg and spoon races.

There will also be a teddy bears picnic for younger visitors with teddy adoptions available, as well as face painting and plenty of other games for children.

Refreshments include a burger van, ice-cream van, Asian food to celebrate Eid and a tea room, although guests are also welcome to bring their own lunch and a blanket for a picnic.

For £3.50, attendees can paint a tile which will be fired and can either be taken home or will become part of St Stephen’s First School’s celebratory wall.

Sharon Fletcher, one of the organisers, said: “It was very sad to have to admit defeat and cancel the Abbeyside Friends Fête which should have happened on June 3.

“Everyone was feeling pretty wretched on that morning but we had words of comfort, encouragement and support from members of the community who made us all feel like all was not lost and we were soon discussing when we might try again and move the date to.”

Upcoming events also include a quiz night on September 13. Doors at Abbeyside Community Club open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start with a £1 entry fee per person and a maximum of five members on a team.

Games and refreshments are in store at the community club on September 27, orders must be placed by 8pm for a game of skittles plus a mini fish and chips costing £5 per person.

For more information about the fête or other Abbeyside Friends events, e-mail abbeyside@hotmail.com or find them at www.facebook.com/abbeyside on Facebook.