The Fayre was held on the same day as the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, 3 June and so was renamed the Arnesby Jubilee Fayre.

There were many other Jubilee events in the area and there was some concern that attendance at our Fayre would be badly affected. The weather also didn't help - the day started perfectly, sunny and windless but by the 11:00 opening time, the longest 'shower' for some time started and continued for two hours.

In spite of all this however, cash received on the day was only about 15% down on the last Fayre (in 2000). Almost everybody in the village took part in some way and the result is a tremendous achievement.

Following the opening of the Fayre with a peel of the St. Peter's Church bells, a fancy dress parade with a theme of Kings and Queens of England went through the village.

Music was provided during the day by a jazz/blues band on the top green, a string quartet giving concerts in the Church and the Wigston Brass band who also played in the Church because of the rain.

The second running of the Arnesby 5 mile cross country run between Arnesby, Shearsby and Bruntingthorpe took place. 29 runners including some club runners and 8 villagers completed the course. Derek Guess of Charnwood AC was the winner in a time of 29 min. 30 sec. Mick Strange (Tipton Harriers) was second, also in less than 30 minutes, at 29:43. Dave Hogg was the first villager home in 8th place, 36:26. Click here for the full results.

Punch and Judy appeared on Sunnydene lawn and a stilt walking juggler roamed the village. A small but fascinating group of classic cars was on display on the top green and an Arnesby memorabilia exhibition was in the Church. In Hobby corner at The Firs, snakes, reptiles and spiders were on show on the lawn together with orchids and a beekeeping demonstration.

As well as village stalls selling plants, bric a brac, cakes and other produce over 30 other stall holders and charity representatives lined the streets selling a wide range of goods including books, crafts and plants. A balloon race attracted over 300 entries for a £50 prize.

This year's event was lead by Jacquie Shorrocks with assistance from the committee - Lisa Welton, Stuart Randall and Terry Emmony. Profits will be distributed to a variety of village organisations but mainly to the Church, Chapel and Village Hall.

On the following day, a successful Scrapheap Challenge was held for village children of all ages.
Click here for a brief report.