Nothing dampens the carnival spirit

Between the travellers who set up camp earlier this month and the yellow weather warning of thunderstorms for the day of the event, it was touch-and-go whether this year’s Sprowston Fete would actually happen.

Fortunately, once the travellers were moved on, the council team was able to quickly clean up the Recreation Ground and a last-minute stroke of fortune saw the weather take a favourable turn on the morning of July 19, so it was full steam ahead.

Despite the morning rain and gloomy outlook, around 3,500 people turned out on the day – considerably more than last year.

Fete-goers were treated to a variety of free activities funded by the town council, including bouncy inflatables, axe throwing, a video gaming van, slime making, circus skills in the big top and live bands in the music tent.

Sprowston Youth Engagement Project provided skateboarding ramps and their ever-popular Zorb balls, which caused lots of laughs for those taking part and the spectators.

There were more than 35 stalls and food vendors, and there was the chance to look around a police car and a fire engine and talk to local officers.

Norwich Ukulele Society, The Jacks and The Foreign Locals provided the music, and the Brewery Tap bar kept everyone hydrated.

In the central arena, the Foolhardy Circus show had the audience in stitches with their antics and The Great Komodo Danger Show risked stitches of a different kind with a daring balancing act – made all the more dangerous and slippery by a brief rain shower.

The Ordgar Vikings, who had spent the early part of the fete demonstrating aspects of Viking life in their living-history village, took to the arena for an eye-catching skirmish with the rival Wuffa Viking group.

By the end of the battle, bodies littered the arena. The only way to rouse these “fallen” warriors and clear the arena was to tell them the pub was open!

The fete is organised by the town council and a team of hardworking volunteers.

Chairman Bill Couzens said: “I’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers who made the event possible and such a success.

“Several traders said it was the best fete they’d been to anywhere since our last one.

“We did wonder if we should cancel, as many other organisations had, but luck was on our side with the weather.”

Norwich North MP Alice Macdonald, who was there, said: “It highlighted the community spirit we have across Sprowston and is a much-loved annual event.”

The council is asking for feedback about the fete and suggestions for future events. Email townclerk@sprowston-tc.gov.uk with any ideas.