Weekend festivities herald start of Battle’s Big Event

The Battle Summer Fayre Weekend, which is taking place on the recreation ground, is also the first of the major fundraising events which are needed in order to raise the £23,000 required to stage the Battle Bonfire Night celebrations in November.

The weekend kicks off with a barn dance at 7pm tonight (Friday) in a large marquee.

The Howlers are providing the music, with hot and cold refreshments being catered for with a barbecue and fully licensed bar.

The first ever Battle Summer Carnival procession will take place on Saturday, sponsored by Campbells Estate Agents.

The procession will leave the recreation ground at 11am, heading through the High Street with a 15 minute wait at the Abbey Green before returning to the rec.

There will be a street collection in aid of various good causes.

A temporary rolling road closure will be in operation between 11am and midday between the recreation ground in North Trade Road and down Battle High Street to the Abbey Green.

The fayre itself, which is sponsored by Crowhurst Park, will be officially opened by Mayor Cllr Richard Bye and Battle’s Big Event chairman, Mike Dawes, at noon.

The fayre will include a dog show, a craft show, games and stalls, plus a miniature ride-on railway, junior quad biking, zorbing, have-a-go archery, pottery, refreshments and a licensed bar.

The Battle Bonfire Boyes finish off the Summer Fayre Weekend with a Night of the Bands, starting in the marquee at 7pm.

Music will be provided by popular local band The 1066 Rockitmen, with the legendary Blair guesting. Support bands include Dory the Wise and U-Genix complete the line up on what promises to be an entertaining end to the Summer Fayre weekend.

Tickets to both music evenings are still available from Alan Hunting Associates in Mount Street and the Battle Club in the High Street, or on the day at the Summer Fayre.

Ticket prices for each event are £10 for adults, £5 for juniors and £25 for a family ticket (two adults, two juniors). For those buying tickets in advance, a free drink per person is included.

Full details can be found on www.bbbevents.com

Simon Merrick, one of the organisers from the fundraising team of Battel Bonfire Boyes, said: “This weekend sees months of planning coming together for what we hope will be a series of events that can be enjoyed by both young and not so young and be a fitting opening of the Battle’s Big Event season.

“I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in the planning and organising of what is one of our major fundraising events of the year.

“Thanks also go to the local businesses that have sponsored us, in particular, our main sponsors, Crowhurst Park.

“I would also like to take this opportunity of saying that for anyone considering joining Battel Bonfire Boyes and thereby being eligible to walk in this years Bonfire Night procession, that the Summer Fayre is your last chance to do so.

“We are always looking for enthusiastic members who are prepared to help us stage one of the country’s oldest bonfire nights by being actively involved in putting on the town’s largest public event each year.”