Blackshawhead Village Fete

Added Monday, 20 August 2007

1.30 on Saturday 1st September

They’re baking like Billy-o in Blackshawhead. Cooking like crazy in Colden. And all because its nearly time for the Blackshawhead Village Fete, and the bigger than ever Produce Competition.

This year there are two entirely new classes – “Veggie-heads” and “Egg-heads”! These are children’s competitions to challenge their inventiveness in creating curious characters out of vegetables and eggs.

All told there are nine categories in the children’s section (including “best jar of weeds!) and 39 adult categories, from bread rolls to brown eggs and novelty iced cake to 'knotted item’, (and also a jar of weeds).  These days it takes two marquees to show all the entries. The entry forms are in the Fete programmes, on sale now at May’s shop in Colden and the village pubs.

The Fete starts at 1.30 on Saturday 1st September, and the Produce tents are just one part of an afternoon extravaganza. Eggs also feature in the popular (and messy) egg-throwing competition which, along with the inter-pub tug-o-war brings the day’s events to a close.

Before that there is so much to be enjoyed – live music from the Stalactites; a variety of stalls and pitches; and plenty of dogs – dogs on show competing for waggiest tail, best six legs and bonniest bitch,  dogs running an agility course, and Labradors showing how they are trained in field skills.

For the children there’s Punch and Judy, pony rides, bouncy slide and kids’ sports, whilst the adults can enjoy the beer tent and try their hand at the tractor pull. There’s a food tent and barbecue to keep energy levels up, whilst over in Blackshawhead Chapel can be found the Colden School art exhibition, local history group SHED’s 'Year in Blackshaw’ and ‘Colden Clough” multi-media shows, and Pats’ Pantry is sure to be a popular meeting place.

The Fete also hosts the Tod Harriers “Ragley Run” fell race, which starts from the fete field at 2pm, and other varied features include an animal rescue show and a chance to participate in “Blackshaw wayaHead” - the review of the Village Plan. The Fire and Rescue services will be there (hopefully just on show!) and there’s a demonstration by the Hebden bridge Taekwando Club.

Admission to the fete is by programme (£1 adults, 50p children) or pay at the gate. Buses run from Hebden Bridge every hour on the hour, and back at twenty past.

Above: Blackshawhead Fete 2004 - see more photos