Summer Revels at traditional village event

This 160-year-old village event, organised by the school PTA, starts with a procession of children through the village, led by the May Queen and her princesses, for a display of country dancing on Pond Green. Everyone then processes back to the school field for maypole dancing followed by the official opening of the school fete by the brand new Mayor Elect, Cllr Bob Smytherman and the Mayoress Elect Cllr Norah Fisher who will both have been appointed the day before. These processions will be majestically led by miniature toy pony Elvis from Findon’s PAWS animal sanctuary.

This year’s attractions include a bird of prey demonstration, kung fu and cheerleading, have-a-go archery, country crafts, a bouncy castle, and a tug of war. Refreshments will include a BBQ, tapas stall, cakes, and a beer and Pimms tent. The raffle has a top prize of £100 cash, plus a chef’s masterclass with Paul Ellis at The Steakhouse, a skittle alley party at The Black Horse, a meal for two at The Village House, Fontwell tickets, Weald & Downland tickets and many more exciting prizes. Another attraction on the day is the chance to bid for tickets to see Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall with English National Ballet.

This year’s Summer Revels, at Findon’s St John the Baptist Primary School, is on Saturday 18 May, from 11am at Pond Green and then from 12-3pm on the school field. Admission Free.