About The Wake

Feckenham Wake dates back to the time of King Henry III who in 1237 ordered a market and fair to be held once a year on the "Eve and Day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist". Since that time (with short breaks during two World Wars and one pandemic) the village has obeyed Henry's instruction and used The Wake as an excuse for all sorts of merriment and frivolity.

 

            There are descriptions in the village's archives of dancing bears, mammoth tea parties and parades of flower waving schoolgirls. In the twenties the event became a sort of rural sports day with greasy pole climbing, three legged races and a ham slicing competition. Brass bands played and villagers risked life and dignity on Rocky Herbert's Roundabouts.

 

            In the fifties there were Fancy Dress Parades, Motor Cycle Gymkhanas and wild dances on The Square (abandoned in the sixties after a violent visit from a drunken band of mods or rockers).

 

           In recent years it's expanded to become what's been described as "a fete on steroids". All sorts of attractions, all sorts of varieties of food and drink - a jolly good day out for everyone.

The Wake isn't a fundraiser.The aim is to mount a fun event for our community and the surrounding area.  Admission is free - but a small charge is made for car parking.