The 2019 pandemic and lockdown affected many people and organizations. 

From the virus spreading and the closing of shops and events, the world changed dramatically, and even though it was 4 years ago, some events still haven’t fully recovered. 

Jag Chima, the Chairman of The Cudham Village Club, talks about the Cudham Fete which is held on the Bank Holiday in August.

This fete has been going on for more than 75 years and 2020 was the first time it couldn’t happen.

Usually between 2,000 and 2,500 people attend this annual fete, which creates memories for families and people of all ages, enjoying the stalls, food and more.

However, in the summer of 2020 and 2021, the fete didn’t happen! 

And then in 2022, less than half of the pre pandemic attendance showed up, 2023 following it with only around 60 – 65% of people going. 

The money raised from this fete gets distributed around to local charities, the church, village hall, the scout group and even to the Cudham School, supporting all people locally.

This makes the Cudham Fete important as it helps the local area and local causes.

The reason for this reduction could be anything like people who have lost jobs and not being able to afford the stalls, forgetting about the fete, and maybe lots of worry surrounding large events. 

But now that the pandemic is behind us, I believe people should still participate in these local events as it raises money and supports others. 

This year, 2024, more people did arrive, around 75% of the attendance from pre pandemic, which is the best year yet!

And Jag hopes it will keep climbing, and that the attendance will reach the pre pandemic levels soon. 

So in answer to my question, events are now starting to recover but need the public to help achieve what they once were, the Cudham fete is just an example for all the other events that were hit by Lockdown and now hopefully rising again.

Jag encourages people to come, the money goes to good causes and is open for enjoyment for all ages, everyone ‘from babies in prams to pensioners in wheelchairs’.

So next year try out the Cudham fete, or a local event near you which supports your area, it’s great for families, fun and supports local causes.