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A public statement from the Wivenhoe May Fair Committee:

This year’s Wivenhoe May Fair, the 29 year old free music and arts event raised over £4,500 for charity. This brings the total raised for good causes since 2000 to nearly £35,000.

Over 25 bands and artists played during the day (30 May, 2011), the cycle-powered cinema showcased local talent, children were entertained and shopaholics made full use of the colourful and eclectic stalls.

As a result of bucket rattling by the May Fairies and volunteer stewards, the following ten charities will each receive a donation:

EACHSA

Re-Cycle

The Russ Foundation

East Anglian Children’s Hospice

Colchester Citizens Advice Bureau

Colchester Womens’ Refuge

Colchester Night Shelter

Transition Wivenhoe

Wivenhoe Helping Hands

Wivenhoe Ferry Trust

As in previous years the community-based festival was staged on the King George V Playing Field in the centre of the town. Unfortunately the 2011 festival was not as quiet as usual with some 40 trouble-makers scuffling towards the end of the day near to the skate park. They were also surrounded by a large number of young onlookers who were not directly involved. Fortunately only a few minor injuries resulted from the incident, which were treated on-site.

The May Fair committee utterly deplores violence and has openly apologised to anyone who was affected by the unexpected element who were in the area with the clear intention of causing trouble. The committee will now focus on working with the authorities and community groups to instigate workable changes that prevent the trouble-making minority from spoiling the event for the peaceful majority while keeping the May Fair’s ethos intact.

Mike Freeman, May Fair Coordinator said:

“The organisers of the Wivenhoe May Fair would like to thank the peaceful festival goers of all ages who attended this year’s music and arts event and who helped to raise over £4,500 for charity. We were treated to a fantastic line-up of entertainment and the sun gods shone on us. See you in 2012!”