A MEDIEVAL Fayre will take centre stage for the 41st time this weekend when it returns to St Nicholas Church.

It was first held back in 1977 to raise funds to pay for the restoration of the Witham church’s stone work.

The fayre was successful and the income during that year and the following few years - plus other fundraising and grants - enabled the work costing more than £100,000 to be completed.

Since then it has grown to the point where planning for next year’s event will start in just a few months.

This year stalls at the fayre will include homemade cakes, plants, jigsaw puzzles, toys, nearly-new, clothes, books, gifts, jewellery, bric-a-brac and white elephant.

Meanwhile, the sideshows include tombola, bottle stall, pick-a-string, hook-a-boat, coconut shy, bouncy castle and penalty shoot out to name but a few.

Entertainment this year will be made up of a jazz band called the Essex Horns, Morris dancers, clog dancers, Colchester Waits, Witham Twirlettes and Marion Snook’s Dance School.

The main road near the church, Chipping Hill, will be closed to traffic from 1.45pm until 5.15 pm so the dance items can take place.

There will also an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at archery with the Rushgreen Bowmen.

Meanwhile in the church itself, an art exhibition from schools, an exhibition relating to pilgrimages and entertainment provided by Big Sing and Templars Academy Choir will be on offer.

Burgers, ice creams, candyfloss, cakes, strawberries and cream and cream teas will keep visitors fuelled for all the activities.

The Medieval Fayre Committee is 12 strong and masterminds the entertainment for both the churchyard and Chipping Hill.

The fayre takes place on Saturday, June 30 from 2pm until 5pm.

Entry for adults is £2.50, concessions are £1.50 and unaccompanied children are free.