19 pictures of the Thriplow Daffodil Weekend & Country Fair

Visitors of all ages were out in force to usher in the start of spring last weekend as the Thriplow Daffodil Weekend & Country Fair returned after a two-year absence.

In 2020, after six months of planning, the volunteer committee had to make the disappointing decision to cancel just three weeks before the event. Only Covid and foot and mouth have managed to prevent the weekend – which traditionally raises money for local charities – from taking place since it started in 1969.

As well as the daffodils, the flamboyant Devil’s Dyke Morris dancers were on hand to entertain, and there was also a selection of vintage cars, tractors and mini steam engines on display. There was live music and entertainment, as well as more than 100 stalls selling garden, craft, gift, and artisan items from small independent businesses.

In all, more than £70,000 was raised and around 10,000 people visited over the two days. Kerstin Rivett, the event’s volunteer marketing manager, said: “We had a great turnout, with lovely people. We had 100 coaches but we had some scammers trying to resell tickets because we had to limit ticket numbers!

“The committee are absolutely shattered but happy and the stallholders were happy – it was just very good-humoured and a beautiful community spirit.” Kerstin added: “Lots of people have told me that it’s the best event that they’ve traded at.”

The festival was initially started in order to raise money for the church roof. This year, the Daffodil Weekend Trust will be donating 10 per cent of the surplus to Ukraine charities focused on supporting the Ukrainian people.

Other charities set to benefit include the Royal Papworth Charity and East Anglian Air Ambulance.

For more on the festival, visit thriplowdaffodils.org.uk.

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Thriplow Daffodil Weekend cancelled due to coronavirus risk