Crowds enjoy food from Michelin-starred restaurants at Bray Village Fete

Chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants in Bray were showcasing their culinary skills as they gave demonstrations to crowds at Bray Village Fete on Sunday.

Organisers estimate that last year’s attendance record was smashed, with more than 1,000 people descending on Bray village green to enjoy a day of entertainment, attractions and plenty of food and drink.

Mike Parkinson, the son of the late Sir Michael Parkinson, compered the event.

He shared some history about the village and spoke to fete committee chair Joanna Korczak about the event ahead of the official opening.

Just after 11am, TV weather presenter Laura Tobin popped a fete cannon, kicking off the day’s festivities.

Dancers from the Eton-based Susan Handy Dance School took to the main arena to perform for guests.

Over on the main stage, local band The Tonic then took over proceedings, performing a host of pop and rock covers, including Jumpin’ Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones.

An array of stalls lined the field from charities, community groups and Michelin-starred restaurants, who had set up a food court in the far-left corner of the field.

The Fat Duck and The Hinds Head, both part of the Heston Blumenthal restaurant group and Giancarlo Caldesi of Caldesi in Campagna were serving up a host of tasty treats at purse-friendly prices.

For the first time, Monkey Island Estate were also at the fete and drew crowds to their stall.

Stallholders also included the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, Moneyrow Beans, Agosti Gelato, the Maidenhead Drama Guild and Get Whisked Away.

Guests were treated to an ice cream van, fairground rides, farm animals from Basil & Crew’s Mobile Farm and plenty of drinks from Windsor and Eton Brewery bar’s and A Hoppy Place's stall.

Crowds gathered in front of the main stage throughout the fete to learn tips and tricks from restaurant professionals.

Sophie McNally, the head pastry chef, at The Fat Duck group led two cooking demonstrations during the afternoon.

Guests were also treated to a demonstration in pasta and ravioli making from TV chef and restauranteur Giancarlo Caldesi.

Visitor numbers were increasing throughout the afternoon, and many sat on the hay bales at the main arena to enjoy more performances from dancers from the Susan Handy Dance School.

The pantomime dame was on hand to lead the fete’s first children’s fancy dress parade.

Youngsters donned superhero, princess and animal costumes as they walked the perimeter of the arena.

Royal Borough mayor Cllr Mandy Brar helped judge the contest and award prizes for the best costumes.

A fete favourite was the popular dog show, which saw pet pooches entered across a range of categories.

Crowds gathered in the main arena as dogs and their owners stepped up for judging in categories including Best Puppy, Best Boy, Best Girl, Best Trick, Best Golden Oldie, and Best in Show.

Spectators clapped as they watched the dogs perform unique tricks and win first, second and third prizes, awarded by Rev Ainsley Swift, vicar at St Michael’s Church in Bray.

Several children lined up in the main arena in the afternoon to take on the kiddie races in their age categories.

Maidenhead’s MP Josh Reynolds was on hand to present the medals.

There was plenty of cheering as the pantomime dame, the Robin Hood panto team, and Rev Andy Medlicott, curate at St Michael’s Church, went head-to-head in a race to hop to the finish line.

Music continued throughout the afternoon, with the Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band (BWCB) playing a host of tunes in their classical style.

Ahead of the fete’s conclusion, Mr Reynolds helped draw the names of the winners of the luxury raffle, which featured an array of treats, including a one night stay at the Monkey Island Hotel and a personalised cookbook signed by Heston Blumenthal.

From 5pm, an afterparty was held at Maidenhead & Bray Cricket Club.

Reflecting on this year’s event, Joanna said: “[It went] very well, probably beyond and above what I expected.

“We expected around 1,000 people, I think we’ve had many more.

“It seems like everyone was happy.”

She added that having the cooking demonstrations and food court was quite a ‘unique’ aspect that she would like to keep into the future.

Next year’s fete will take place Sunday, September 6.