The May Fair returned to Richmond Green on Saturday, 10 May 2025 bigger and better than ever.

Over 50 years on from the first fair, the event boasts over 200 stalls, a Victorian fun fair, dog show and all-day entertainment on the Riverside Radio Stage.

Ex Richmond Mayor, Richard Pyne, opened the celebrations on the sunny Saturday morning with a speech celebrating the effort it takes to organise such a large event.

He said: "This is, in many ways, the cream of Richmond social events, and is not to be missed."

He kicked off the day's entertainment, starting with a ukulele performance from Age UK.

Small business, craft, community and charity stalls ran along the green, including Arts Richmond, Alzheimer's Society UK, The Museum of Richmond and the Orange Tree Theatre.

Visitors could even have their photo taken with Queen Victoria at the Victorian Photography Studio run by the Richmond Rotary Club.

Chair of the May Fair Committee, Pamela Fleming, said: "The best part of the event is the wonderful volunteers who make the event happen.

"There is so much to see here but it definitely wouldn't happen without the volunteers."

The Victorian Photo Studio used vintage camera and costumes (credit: Lucy Blackmur).

Fleming was shortlisted at the Community Heroes Awards 2024/25 for her work organising the fair.

The event is vital in helping local charities and businesses promote their work and raise funds.

One example is Richmond Talking News, whose free postal service provides local news in audio form for people who have difficulty reading the newspaper or are housebound.

Crowds enjoy the sunshine, stalls and live music at Richmond Green (credit: Lucy Blackmur).

Vice-Chair, Valerie Munro, commented: "We have been going for 46 years and are entirely run by volunteers.

"We could not live without the slice of life stories put out by local organisations like Nub News."

The fair also kicked off the celebrations of the Richmond in Europe Association, celebrating 65 years of partnership with Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany.

Events will continue over the summer, including receptions, parades and concerts over the Twinning Reaffirmation weekend from 6 to 8 June 2025.

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