RESIDENTS are invited to roll up, roll up, for the return of a popular fete in Chester.

Held almost every year since 1875, Christleton’s annual fete will be held on Saturday, June 25, come rain or shine.

Organisers, who have been planning for a year, are celebrating the theme of All the Fun of the Circus.

The festivities and fun begin with the parade from Village Road between the Christleton Institute and High School at 1pm when everyone will walk behind the Wirral Pipe Band and the new Rose Queen with her retinue and her supporters to the Primary School Playing Fields in Quarry Lane (CH3 7AY) for 1.30pm.

Virtually every local organisation and voluntary group in the area man a series of gazebos. The Rose Queen is crowned, the Fete opens, and the fun will begin.

Over 25 stalls and sideshows will entertain the crowd. New stalls include Silverchicks silver jewellery, The Smiley Soap Company (whose owner is eight-year-old Olivia Henderson) and Jue Marie Home and Craft. The Spitting Feathers beer tent, Scouts burger bar, face painting, ice cream, plate smashing and lots of games will be present.

In the arena, activities include the fancy dress competitions and a ‘Bubblologist’ display and workshop. The band is The Clockmakers with singer Sharon Wallace and finally the raffle with its star prizes.

In previous years, the fete, which normally attracts around 750 visitors, has raised over £3,750 but was not held in 2020 or 2021. This money is ploughed back straight back into the community.

More than 20 local groups receive sums ranging from £50 to over £300 every year. Playgroups have built shelters, Scouts have bought tents, Brownies have been sent camping, tools have been purchased to make the village look neater, the Pit Group (it's a big pond) have turned the pond's slightly wild area into a haven of peace and tranquillity, a children’s playground has been built, kit for footballers and cricketers have all been purchased, and countless other projects have benefited.

Admission is £5 for a family, £2 an adult, Children/OAP £1 and under 5s go Free. No dogs are admitted unless a guide dog. The fun starts on the village green at 1pm. All proceeds go towards making the fete happen and what’s left goes to local worthy causes.