RAIN did not stop play as the Cheriton Village Fete returned to the Hampshire village.  

The annual event was held on Monday, May 6 at The Old Rectory garden from 1.30pm to 4pm. 

Attractions include Morris dancing, a children's entertainer, lots of homemade produce, barbecue, tea stall, Tombola, bric-a-brac, coconut shy and more. 

A beer tent was also present, supplied by The Flower Pots Brewery, which is based just up the road, as well as a Pimms tent. 

SEE ALSO: Heritage railway to welcome Day Out with Thomas during half term

Hampshire Chronicle: Pimms and beer at Cheriton Village Fete

Hundreds of people turned out in support – despite a rather soggy May afternoon.  

Organiser David Banyard said he was grateful for the support shown by the community.  

He said: “We were very worried about the weather. We set up in heavy rain and got very wet, but then I thought a few showers might be good for us as people who had plans might think they would scrap them and come to the village fete instead.

"So far it's been really good. It is a lovely set up here and all the profits this year will go to the church. People have been so supportive, it’s been great fun.” 

Hampshire Chronicle: Bella East, six, at Cheriton Village Fete

Bella East, six, was enjoying the games at the fete with her mum Emily.  

Emily, from Ovington, said: “All she dreamed about last night was the coconut shy, she really wanted a coconut! The fete is gorgeous, it’s a shame about the rain, but I love village fetes. Everyone can come, it’s for all ages. It’s great.”  

People of all ages were getting stuck in and taking part in the community spirit.  

@hampshire_chronicle Cheriton Village Fete returned on May 6 and hundreds showed their support #Hampshire #Winchester #Cheriton #Community ♬ Little Things - H2KStudio

Jacob Housden, 21, from Cheriton, was with his friends and they were getting competitive over a few of the games.

He said: “It’s great, I am here supporting my local community.”  

There was lots of entertainment for children of all ages, including a magic show in the village hall by Count Backwards, and lots of stalls geared up for children – the most popular being the hook a duck stand.  

READ MORE: Compton 10k and community fete returns for third year in middle of May

Hampshire Chronicle: Howard Geary with his family wife Ellie, Casper, four, Ophelia, 10 and Beatrice, seven at Cheriton

Dad-of-three Howard Geary, from Alresford, was with his wife Ellie and children Casper, four, Ophelia, 10 and Beatrice, seven.  

He said: “We do every fete that we can, we are seasoned fete goers. It is a good turn out here considering the weather.”  

Ophelia said she was delighted to win a football in the children's tombola.  

The annual event alternates venues, and next year it should be held on the village green.   

Click the top image to see more photos from the event.