The 58th Thriplow Daffodil Weekend and Country Fair has achieved its most successful year to date, raising a record-breaking £87,000 for local causes and selected charities. The event, held over two days in March, attracted thousands of visitors, including 60 coaches from across the UK, and generated a total of £185,000—the highest amount in the event's history. After costs, this left an impressive surplus of £87,000, bringing the total raised since 1969 to over £1 million.
Support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) was one of this year’s nominated charities, receiving £20,000 from ticket sales. Additionally, volunteers at the charity’s stall organized games, competitions, and fundraising activities, collecting an extra £750. Victoria Goldsmith, EACH’s senior community fundraiser for Cambridgeshire and West Essex, expressed gratitude: "We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in making this year’s Thriplow Daffodil Weekend such a phenomenal success. To be awarded £20,000, as well as raising a further £750 through our stall, is fantastic and will make such a meaningful difference to the children, young people and families we support across East Anglia."
Community Effort and Preparations
Despite having a population of just 350, the village relies on hundreds of volunteers to help deliver the event each year. Preparations begin months in advance, with daffodil bulbs planted each September. As a thank you for residents’ continued support and hard work, organisers are hosting an annual community barbecue in July. The event started in 1969 when the village church needed major roof repairs, and residents decided to raise funds by opening their gardens and making cups of tea for visitors.
Historical Impact and Future Beneficiaries
Over the following decades, the event has grown into one of the region’s most successful community fundraisers, supporting charities and good causes within 30 miles of Thriplow. EACH was fortunate enough to be one of the beneficiaries in both 2017 and 2020, raising a combined £13,500. This year's record-breaking surplus underscores the enduring community spirit and dedication of volunteers and attendees alike.
