BBC Countryfile Magazine

Nicola Chester

“Village fête season is upon us – that summer staple of rural life, defined by a motley collection of gazebos, hay-bale arenas, bunting, beer, dogs in neckerchiefs and prayers to the weather gods.

But are the idyllic pictures of rural community cohesion and estate-agent propaganda a reality? The village fête has experienced a resurgence, with Covid cancellations making us wistful for

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from BBC Countryfile Magazine

BBC Countryfile Magazine6 min read
Lakeland in Lambing
“Spring’s pardon comes, a sweetening of the air.” To writers such as poet Carol Ann Duffy, the season has always brought inspiration; but to farmers, spring spells aspiration. Across the countryside at this time of year, farmers are welcoming new arr
BBC Countryfile Magazine3 min read
John Craven
So, it has finally come to an end – the contentious policy that, over the years, saw millions of live animals crammed into lorries and transported hundreds of miles from British farms to be slaughtered abroad. As I write, the Animal Welfare (Livestoc
BBC Countryfile Magazine1 min read
Next Month Your Wild Summer
Don’t miss our special issue, on sale 16 May • Britain’s top 10 nature escapes• Elderflower foraging tips• Your guide to wild Lakeland ■

Related Books & Audiobooks