On Saturday Stephen Metcalfe,
local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, officially opened the annual
Horndon-on-the-Hill Feast and Fayre. Having attended the opening church
service, Mr Metcalfe cut the ribbon before enjoying the festivities with local
people.
The traditional event dates
back to the 13th Century when the village was granted a Royal
Charter to hold a feast and celebration on the last weekend in June. Revived in
1974, the Feast and Fayre sees the village transformed and the high road lined
with a diverse range of stalls and entertainment.
This year under the theme ‘A
celebration of the River Thames in Essex throughout the ages’ the
entertainment included a poetry competition, a performance by the Thurrock Male
Voice Choir, and a host of other live music, stalls, and street entertainers.
The day’s events were topped off with the Horndon 10km run.
Addressing the crowd, Mr
Metcalfe praised the organisers of the historic fayre and encouraged attendees
to honour the hard work of previous organisers by keeping the fantastic
tradition going for generations to come.
He later commented: “The
Feast and Fayre is a brilliant celebration of the local area both now and
through the ages. It demonstrates that community spirit is very much alive and
well and I would once again like to thank all those involved in organising this
celebration.”
“The atmosphere was fantastic
and I hope that those who attended enjoyed the occasion as much as I did. I
look forward to seeing this tradition continue for many years to come so that
future generations can celebrate the heritage of Horndon-on-the-Hill.”
