14 Jul 2023
From a Picnic on the Meads to a parade through the High Street, the community of Wheathampstead proved they knew how to enjoy themselves at the annual Village Weekend.
Saturday saw picnicking families entertained by Wheathampstead’s Got Talent, the Sonorite Saxophone Quartet and popular local band, The Carnegies.
The following day the village enjoyed the spectacle of the High Street Parade with colourfully artistic floats from both schools, Beech Hyde and St Helen’s, together with walking floats from The Swan Pub, the WI, Yellow Stars and Early Birds Nurseries plus many more.
St Albans Mayor Cllr Anthony Rowlands led the parade through the village in his cricket kit and praised all the volunteers who had organised the entire weekend.
Marford Playing Fields, possibly, saw the busiest Village Day on record, showcasing local community groups, charities and businesses.
Entertainment included arena acts, fairground rides, a family activity field, farm animals, Morris Dancers, tea room, soft play, a Tipi Chill Bar with live music, Beat the Goalie, Punch & Judy, archery, pony rides, a hog roast, tennis strawberries and cream and a wonderful art exhibition.
During the event, the inaugural Youth Voluntary Coronation Cup, together with an anonymous £100 donation, was presented to Summer, Harvey and Nicole Costin. The siblings roll up their sleeves at every village event helping wherever they can and support the elderly in the village as well as cutting back overgrown trees in the Big Churchyard Clean Up.
County Cllr Annie Brewster said: “Everyone said this was the best Village Weekend ever. There were endless things to do and really enjoy for all ages. So many hardworking individuals are to be congratulated on such a triumph, particularly the parish council and its new Village Weekend organising officer, Katherine Briggs, and our truly inspirational compare, Anna Park.”
Photos by Mike Smith, Matt Adams and Annie Brewster.
