HUGE crowds made this year’s Toft Hill and Etherley Fete the biggest yet.
There was plenty going on to keep everyone entertained on the recreation field below the village community centre.
The afternoon began with the fancy dress competition, which attracted a good variety of entries from young and old.
TV’s Scarlett Moffatt had come along with her cousin Noah Quinn and was happy to help local councillor Heather Smith carry out the judging duties – as well as posing for plenty of selfies.
Music came in a range of styles.
There was the traditional, provided by the Lanchester Brass Band, and the more mainstream thanks to Bishop Auckland’s Soundwaves Community Choir, who began their set with a rousing version of Whitesnake’s Here I Go Again.
Circus entertainers Dot and Zooky proved that all kids want is to run after bubbles, while there were plenty of pets on the field for the dog show.
There was a display of vintage tractors and other vehicles, while the Gaunless Valley’s Big Purple Play Bus proved popular.
A number of organisations took a table in the show tent, including the ladies from Toft Hill and Etherley WI and St Cuthbert’s Church Methodist Church.
Representatives from the Sarcoma UK were raising awareness about the charity’s work to support those living with bone and soft tissue cancer.
A national charity, Sarcoma UK has a local connection – chief executive Richard Davidson lives just down the road from Toft Hill.
He explained that the charity had come along to the fete as part of a Big Picnic campaign to boost the charity’s funds.
