Mountain of berries is ready to disappear

Strawberries with cream, ice-cream or biscuits will be savoured by an expected 2,000 people who will descend on the village from 11am for this unique event.

More than 5,000 lbs of strawberries have been ordered from a local farm in Gloucestershire and a third of the village will be involved in preparing, serving and washing up during the weekend.

Villagers also lend their tables and chairs so diners can enjoy their strawberries on the village green.

Fair co-ordinator Judith White said: "Nobody in the village will be able to sit in their gardens this weekend because they have no tables and chairs. As you can imagine, though, sitting on the village green eating strawberries is very pleasant."

The Strawberry Fair started from humble beginnings. It was established by Christine Pearce who visited her sister in Indianapolis, USA, where she attended a fundraising Strawberry Fair . Mrs Pearce thought it would be a good idea in Crudwell.

For the first few years, organisers picked the strawberries themselves on local farms, but because of the success of the event, they now use an agent.

Mrs Pearce died aged 69 in April, but Mrs White said she was involved with organisation of the fair right up until her death. "Christine will be missed. A memorial will be placed in the church for her and her husband will be involved," she said.

Organisers hope to raise about £2,000-£3,000 to help maintain Crudwell Church.

The craft market at Crudwell School also runs on Saturday and Sunday and Malmesbury's Jazz Jiants will be providing further entertainment on Saturday from 7.30pm on the village green.

Guests should bring their own picnic and arrange themselves in groups, as tables are given prizes for the best theme.

Mrs White said the weekend event showed how closely knit Crudwell is. She said: "I know people who have bought houses in Crudwell because they came here during Strawberry Fair and loved the atmosphere."

To book tickets or for more information call (01666) 577386.