ALL the fun of the fair at the first Beacon Hill Fete for 20 years, included the panto dame for the village’s upcoming ‘Babes in the Wood’ joining Haslemere Mayor David Round to open the event.

The fair, which was mounted to promote local businesses and village clubs, was a big success with more than 35 stalls and a beer tent run by the Royal British Legion.

Beacon Hill Focus Group chairman Brian Walsh, said: “It was fantastic. We were hoping to be able to run a traditional family-style fete and keep commercial stalls to a minimum.

“Sponsorship from Beacon Hill Garage allowed the carousel ride from Hollycombe Steam fair to be free and our main sponsor Flint and Dean funded bottles of water for the children.

“The weather couldn’t have been any better and there was quite a queue for the Dylan’s Ice Cream van.

“The first show in the arena was a marvellous demonstration of karate techniques from Hindhead Karate Club.

“This was followed by the fun dog show judged by Jane Brown a local Crufts winner. Amazing prizes where kindly donated by AnA’s Pet n Tack shop.

“The last event was an impromptu tug of war, ranging from 15 to 30 on each side, depending on when you looked.

“An ‘open mic’ area had bands playing live music throughout the day, with a very brave young teenager, Casandra Van de Bosh complete a 15 minutes-slot on her ukulele.

“The food zone allowed villagers to catch up over a plate of superb curry from Ghurka Dhurbar and something cold from the beer tent, while watching the entertainment.

“We had several charities attending and stalls, including Phyllis Tuckwell, Help for Heros, Royal British Legion, Parkinsons UK and Dementia Trust.”

The fete closed at 5pm with every stall having ‘exceeded its expectations.’

The Beacon Hill Focus group are confident the aims of the day were .

“With all the positive feedback, we will be back in 2019,” Brian added.