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Another success as Groby Sings ‘Steps through time’
World Cup fever boosts early takings at Groby Street Fair WHEN THE date and time was announced for the England vs Panama match in the World Cup it was anticipated that it would have an impact on attendance at this year’s Groby Street Fair on June 24th.
THIS YEAR’S Groby Sings summer concerts were hot, hot, hot in more ways than one as we rehearsed and performed during the current exceptional heatwave. The lovely weather seemed to bring a good feeling of relaxation and happiness amongst both performers and audience which really helped to make the concerts another great success. We had an appropriately sunny start to the programme with a six part unaccompanied round, Sumer is Icumen in, which went back in time to the 13th century. Then thoughts of summer nights were invoked by A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, a beautiful song from the Thirties and who couldn’t help thinking of the heat whilst listening to one of the choir’s favourites, Africa? CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...>
Play badminton on Wednesday nights in Groby FRIENDLY badminton club requires players at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Ratby Road, Groby on Wednesdays between 8pm and 10pm. Telephone: 0116 267 5800 for details.
With television coverage from early afternoon there was little doubt which event would take priority for many families. This year, however, the Fair embraced the World Cup and replaced some of the attractions aimed at young children with Groby’s very own Table Football Challenge. And what a result - a huge attraction enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The afternoon TV coverage of the World Cup resulted in an early surge down on Markfield Road. In the first hour more than 600 paying visitors passed through the admission gates, that’s an incredible 10 every minute. Stallholders were delighted and by 1pm one stallholder had sold her entire cake stock. Through the rest of the afternoon visitors arrived at a slower, but steady, rate. The gate volunteers were probably relieved that the peak had passed. The line up for the 2018 Groby Street Fair included lots of familiar names and a good helping of new ones. The main stage of earlier years was dispensed with, and entertainment was be found throughout the Fair. It will be no surprise to hear that the popular Kevin Burke was back, supported by singers, dancers, barber shop singers and jazz. The weather was superb with blue skies and sunshine all day, and traders continue to rate the Fair as one of the best and friendliest they attend. The success of the Fair depends on the careful preparations made by the unpaid committee and the dedication of the volunteers who give up their time on the day. In July committee member and pub landlord Brian Rigby arranged an evening hot buffet reception which was greatly appreciated by those volunteers who were able to attend. And if you’re wondering about next year, the answer is Yes! Groby Street Fair will be back on Sunday 23 June, but for the time being just enjoy the photos of the 2018 Fair on www.grobystreetfair.tk.
Norman Griffiths
NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 15th SEPTEMBER 2018 - ARTICLES & ADVERT DEADLINE: 1ST SEPTEMBER 2018