Community Fete 2025 - A Roaring Success!

What an absolutely fantastic day was had at this year's Tonbridge Lions Community Fete! Thousands of people descended upon Tonbridge Castle Lawn for a day filled with community spirit, laughter and unforgettable memories.

The festivities kicked off at noon with a themed parade from River Walk, over Big Bridge, along Castle Walk and up to the Castle Lawn. The literary theme brought out some truly spectacular costumes - from magical Harry Potter characters casting spells along the route to beloved Disney heroes bringing fairy tales to life on the streets of Tonbridge. One thing's for sure - Hermione Granger would have been proud of the spell these participants cast over our community! The parade was a wonderful celebration of storytelling and imagination that had spectators lining the streets with smiles and applause.

The Lions are incredibly proud to announce that 705 brave people joined in their World Record attempt for the largest gathering of people wearing odd socks! While the current record of 933 participants wasn’t quite broken, it was remarkably close and created something truly special in the process. A huge thank you to everyone who donned their mismatched socks and joined in this quirky challenge! Your enthusiasm and participation made this attempt memorable, and you've all contributed to raising awareness and funds for local charitable causes. Sometimes the journey is just as rewarding as the destination, and what a colourful, sock-filled journey it was!

The entertainment throughout the day was absolutely the highlight of the event, with arena performances keeping crowds engaged from 1pm to 3:30pm. The atmosphere was simply amazing - you could feel the community spirit radiating across the Castle Lawn as families, friends, and neighbours came together for this wonderful tradition.

The usual fantastic selection of stalls, games, and activities provided something for everyone, from traditional fete games to delicious local treats. The combination of perfect weather, incredible turnout and that special Tonbridge community magic made this year's fete truly unforgettable.

As always, the funds raised will be distributed to local charitable causes and Lions Club charities, making a real difference in our community. Events like this showcase the very best of Tonbridge - people coming together to support those who need it most.

Photos are courtesy of Shillingsnaps.