Singleton Cricket Pitch was bursting with colour, laughter, and the unmistakable hum of community spirit on Saturday 16th August. Locals and visitors alike turned out in force for the much-loved Singleton Fete 2025. With a cool breeze and a new programme of entertainment, this year’s fete proved to be a repeat of last years success, offering something for all age groups and hopefully making this annual event a highlight in the local calendar.

From the moment the gates opened at midday, crowds steadily poured in, keen to explore the new stalls as well as all the traditional favourites such bric-a-brac, vintage, Tombola, plants, books, jewellery, nearly new clothes and the delicious offerings from the cake stall

Children were spoilt for choice with a variety of traditional fairground games, face painting stall that turned young attendees into various characters for the day and of course ponies Bubbles and Cuddles were available for rides too!

The dog show, always a favourite, drew a lively crowd, with local pooches competing in categories such as “Waggiest Tail” and “Best Rescue”. A total of six classes culminating in Best in Show which was won by a beautiful 17yr old Jack Russell Cross called Tess and Reserve Champion was Oddie, a stunning Doberman. It was wonderful to see so many dogs proudly wearing their rosettes as they took their humans around the arena!

Mid afternoon, we had our main event, an incredible birds of prey flying display showcasing a kestrel, a little owl and a turkey vulture amongst others…

This year our charity stalls included South Downs National Park Association, Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, Western Sussex Rivers Trust all local charities and close to many hearts.  This year we decided we would invite a select few commercial stalls to come to the fete, showcasing local artisans, independent businesses, and community groups. Also there was a wonderful basket weaving demonstration by Catherine Beaumont who also had some of her stunning work on display.

Refreshments were available, offering burgers, foot long hot dogs as well as delicious cream teas and the cricket club opened the bar for liquid refreshment.

Fete-goers had the chance to try their luck in the raffle offering many and various prizes, aswell as bidding for items in the silent auction. These included items such as a day on a powerboat and a tour of the spitfire hanger at Goodwood, all kindly donated

As well as all the help from kind people in the village with putting up and taking down again of gazebos and marquees, we must also thank our amazing sponsors without whom this event would not have been possible. The Partridge in Singleton, Hancock Lettings, Scarterfields, Charlton Way  B&B, ACC Tyres, Jackson Stops, Aldingbourne Equine Laundry, Valley Diary and several local private sponsors.

If the goal of the fete is to bring people together, support local initiatives & charities, and create lasting memories, then this year’s Singleton Fete ticked every box. Here’s to 2026!