AN ANNUAL event to welcome springtime is returning in April after two years off due to the pandemic.
Daffodil Sunday returns to the grounds of Newnham Paddox country house – the country estate of the Earl and Countess of Denbigh – near Monks Kirby on Sunday April 3.
Visitors can take woodland and lakeside walks in grounds designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Attractions include displays of woodturning, vintage tractors and cars, alpacas, pottery, and entertainment from the Dunchurch Band, the Ocho Rios Steel Band, the Villagers’ Choir, the Community Choir, and the Jill Bartlett Dancers.
Stalls and exhibitions include Rugby Gin, stained glass, pyrography and paintings – and preserves, plants, locally made ice cream, fudge, Indian food, hotdogs, teas and refreshments will be on sale.
Daffodil Sunday is the main fund-raising event for the Friends of the Revel C of E Churches group, comprising St John the Baptist in Brinklow, Holy Trinity Church in Churchover, All Saints Church in Harborough Magna, St Edith’s in Monks Kirby, St Denys’ in Pailton, and St Leonard’s in Willey.
Organisers are hoping for a good turnout after having to cancel three out of the last four events – with the 2018 event also called off due to waterlogged ground.
Stephen Hall of the Friends of the Revel CofE Churches said: “Our finances were badly hit by the cancellations, exacerbated by the churches being closed for long periods because of Covid, resulting in reduced income from collections – but we still have the same overheads.
“All C of E churches have to be self-financing, and get no regular support from elsewhere.
“The event had grown year-on-year and had become probably the major spring event in the area, with over 1,000 people of all ages taking the first opportunity to enjoy a day outdoors after the winter – and, this time, the end of Covid restrictions.”
The event will run from 11am to 4pm on Sunday April 3.
Admission costs £5 for adults, £1 for children, and free admission for under-fives. Parking is free.
Visit www.revelgroup.org or call 01788 833993 for more information.
