Wednesday 11 May 2011

Blossoms & Bygones

This weekend saw the annual 'Blossoms and Bygones' festival in Haddenham and Aldreth, Cambridgeshire. A perfect excuse for a lovely family day out of the city. The boyfriend and I got our glad rags on and spent the day with parents and siblings, eating cake and drinking tea. We even managed to hit a jumble sale or two. 

The festival had a slight twist this year, with the introduction of a theme. And with it landing on the 40th anniversary of VE Day, what better theme than the 1940s. I have to say that the villagers did themselves proud, with amazing decorations, costumes and all round effort. It was my first Blossoms and Bygone's festival, and it was very charming to be there. 

We spent the first part of the afternoon sitting on a tractor, taking in all the amazing decorations.  However much my head scarf didn't like this very windy half hour, I very much did. I'm not local in this part of the country, but I have visited a few times now, and to see the streets as busy as they were was amazing. I've always notices a community spirit here, but the enthusiasm for this day was lovely to see. 

Our tractor ride was followed by yummy tea and cakes (and spam sandwiches for some!) at the lovely Haddenham Gallery.  Well worth a visit if you're close by, with a collection of arts, crafts and treasures from all over the world.  

A good old rummage at the jumble sale topped the day off nicely, especially with the amazing find of a 1982 edition of Trivial Pursuit for just £1!

I would have loved more time to wander around looking at the houses, but alas, we had to head back to London. A lovely idea for a festival, which encouraged community spirit,  creativity, and all round bonkers-ness! Dog shows, lindy hoppers (which I annoyingly missed), vintage cars, craft stalls and more, meant lots of fun for one and all. I say we all need a blossoms and bygones festival in our home town! 

Blossoms & Bygones photo post coming shortly!

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