Stratton Audley Salutes Queen at Festival (SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS)
Stratton Audley kicked off the celebrations for the Queens 90th birthday, a week early at their Food, Beer & Music Festival held in the village on Saturday 4th June. This was ‘a first’ for the village with over 25 speciality food and beverage stalls lining both sides of the street which was closed for the entire day.
Well over 1000 visitors attended from across the county all eager to sample the food and drink on offer. People sat on straw bales listening to a variety of young and older bands, including the 24 strong Bletchingdon Silver Band. Children played in the grounds of the adjacent Manor on a giant bouncy castle and inflatable slide, with other games on offer including some superb face painting. There was a Hog roast, burgers and sausages, 10 cask ales and ciders all for consumption, plus cream teas and cakes in the church throughout the day.
A high point was the attendance of Her Majesty in the form of a life-size silhouetted figure which was positioned next to a guardsman and a giant birthday cake. This was collectively cut by three prominent local ladies – local MP Victoria Prentis, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Miranda Markham and Mayor of Bicester Town, Jolanta Lis. Also celebrating his 90th birthday this year was local man Stanley Gibbs (born in the village) who along with everyone else present, sang Happy Birthday to the Queen before tucking into the delicious cake made by local baker Graham Nash whilst listing to the band play Land of Hope and Glory.
For the adults there was a raffle with some super prizes and a substantial tombola that sold out very quickly. People were heard to say how much they loved the traditional approach and the bustle of the street plus the whole relaxed atmosphere made them think of a bygone era. Stallholders reported brisk trading with several selling out early and others needing to replenish stocks as the day went on. The event lasted 7 hours and ended at 6pm.
All monies raised go to the Church Porch Restoration Fund, Sobell House and the Air Ambulance. Our thanks go to all who participated and helped out on the day.
