Frequently Asked Questions...

What are the Joint Villages?

The "Villages" are urban villages -- artifically designated boundaries aimed at splitting the large, sprawling estates of Bentilee, Berryhill and Eaton Park into smaller "Villages", to give them their own sense of identity and help revitalise their sense of community spirit. Originally there were five such "Villages": Brookhouse, Ubberley, Willfield, Berryhill and Eaton Park (hence the fete was originally named the "Five Villages Summer Fete"). However, the newly built estate of Moss Green made six "Villages", so the fete became known as the "Joint Villages Summer Fete" (in case the number should change again).

Where are the 3 Greens?

The 3 Greens where the Fete is held are in the centre of the Bentilee estate, sandwiched between Gilliat and Fullwood Walks, leading down from Dawlish Drive to Dividy Road (the B5040). For a detailed map visit: maps.google.co.uk

What format does the Fete take?

The fete has to date followed the same format of live music, community stalls and information displays, occasionally other activities (e.g. procession, martial arts display), and Stanworth's Fun Fair providing rides and the main event catering.

The music has ranged from headliners like The American Drifters, The Blues Brothers tribute band, The Commitments Too tribute band, and Ian Fenn & The Starcats (supported by the Stoke-on-Trent Rock n Roll Dancers), to solo singers such as Louise, Jason McMurdo and entertainer Danny Dee.

The stalls have included local community groups such as the Ubberley & Bentilee Gardening Show, the Friends of Berryhill Fields, Iris's Cats in Need, Gilliat Walk Residents Association, and the 99th Berryhill Scouts, together with information displays by such as the Prince's Trust, and the Crime Prevention Service.

Finally, Stanworth's Fun Fair complete the carnival atmosphere with a selection of fairground rides.

What is the purpose of the fete?

The general purpose of the Fete has always been to help encourage a sense of community spirit by bringing local people and community groups together, and to give relevant groups and organisations an opportunity to fund-raise and promote themselves and their activities to local people.

In 2010 the main focus of the event though will be to provide information on local community groups and activities and to promote an healthier lifestyle through healthy eating choices and increased physical activity. Those helping us to achieve this so far include My Health Matters and Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Uth Services.