Ifield '˜village feel' comes alive for popular May Fayre

Village life once again came to life on Monday as the annual Ifield May Fayre got underway taking place near Ifield Barn Arts Centre.
DM16115292a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Mayor of Crawley Chris Cheshire crowns the May Queen Deanna Day. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-174730008DM16115292a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Mayor of Crawley Chris Cheshire crowns the May Queen Deanna Day. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-174730008
DM16115292a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Mayor of Crawley Chris Cheshire crowns the May Queen Deanna Day. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-174730008

The weather forecast was not promising, but despite a few spots of rain in the morning, the showers held off until stall holders and performers were packing up.

From 11.30am people from across Crawley and beyond went to enjoy the festivities, which included music, dance, competitions and of course the popular parade and crowning of the May Queen.

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The fayre is run as a community event in the original Ifield village area. All proceeds raised go towards causes including the Ifield Barn Arts Centre, St Margaret’s Church, Ifield scouts and the neighbourhood’s schools.

DM16115146a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. The May Queen Deanna Day. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175002008DM16115146a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. The May Queen Deanna Day. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175002008
DM16115146a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. The May Queen Deanna Day. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175002008

Organiser Mark Haymes said: “We think numbers were down this year, but fundraising held up.

“We think we have raised over £10,000 and despite the murky weather the Crawley community came out. I must say a big thank you to the volunteers who came out to set up stuff, clear away, cook and more. Also John, The Plough landlord. He puts all his own money into it and helps with the logistical side. It’s always a very village feel.”

Popular attractions the coconut shy, bouncy castle and renowned cake stall, which once again sold out of produce early.

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Among the performers were the Bobby Dazzlers baton twirling group, the Crawley Millennium band and the Irish dancers.

DM16115166a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175039008DM16115166a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175039008
DM16115166a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175039008

Mark added: “People now it’s on the bank holiday. It just helps galvanise the community. It’s really a community event. I would think even some people in Crawley that don’t know about it.”

This year volunteer Ifield Brownie leader Deanna Day was crowned May Queen; something the Central Sussex College student had dreamed of since she was little.

She said: “It felt really good. I was nervous but also excited as well and it was really good.

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“It went so quickly. I had a few photos with the Brownies I belong to. I got on the trailer with the girls and I was waving to everyone.

DM16115276a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175308008DM16115276a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175308008
DM16115276a.jpg Ifield May Fayre. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160205-175308008

“My family were waiting for me at Ifield shops. Then we got to the barn and I was sat on the throne. It felt so weird being part of the parade rather than watching it.”

Anyone wanting to get more involved in planning the fayre next year can find out more and contact Mark via the website www.ifieldmayfayre.co.uk

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