Strawberry Field's long history of Summer Fetes

On 5th July, Strawberry Field’s beloved Summer Fete returns, marking the anniversary of the former children’s home opening in 1936. Summer Fetes have long been part of the history of the site and Woolton village. Fetes were an opportunity for the villagers to get together and enjoy a day of community spirit and fundraising. There would be music, stalls and children's entertainment, providing a day of fun for the whole family.

As a child growing up at Mendips, John Lennon would attend the Strawberry Field fete with his Aunt Mimi. Upon hearing the Liverpool Walton Salvation Army Band begin to play, a young John would impatiently tell her, “Hurry, we’re going to be late!” Neighbours of Strawberry Field and friends from the village were all invited to the garden to get involved with the day's events. In addition to music from the brass band, the residents would also perform, and there would be lawn games and fundraising activities to raise money for the children's home. 

Woolton Parrish Church was also a regular host of garden fetes. It was at St Peter's Church's fete in 1957 where John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time. John's band The Quarrymen performed at the fete, and Paul McCartney watched with Ivan Vaughan. Ivan, who was a school friend of Paul and a neighbour of John, then made the introduction in the church's hall - and the rest was history!

We hope you will join us as we bring this longstanding tradition back to Strawberry Field. Join us at our Summer Fete on Saturday 5th July from 10am to 4pm for an action-packed day of music, crafts and family fun.

We have live performances scheduled from Wall of Sound Choir, Liverpool Signing Choir and SingMe Merseyside, as well as Northern Li9ht, There's Moo and the Strawberry Field Ukes.

Join us to celebrate the anniversary of the former Salvation Army children's home opening in 1936 and to experience all that Strawberry Field has to offer!