HUNDREDS of villagers were out on the hottest day of the year for an annual fete.

Organisers of Owslebury Fete were forced to cancel this year’s new event, the fun dog show, due to soaring temperatures on Saturday, September 9.

Hampshire Chronicle: Owslebury Fete 2023Owslebury Fete 2023 (Image: Siobhan Hand)

But that didn’t stop residents from flocking to Glebe Field to enjoy live entertainment, creative games and delicious food and drink for the annual village fundraiser.

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Some of the stalls were moved inside to the cooler space of St Andrew's Church, which provided welcome relief from the heat outside.

Hampshire Chronicle: Inside the churchInside the church (Image: Siobhan Hand)

New games this year included tin can alley, piggy racing and a nine-hole crazy golf circuit created by local resident Paul Simmons.

Hampshire Chronicle: Piggy racingPiggy racing (Image: Siobhan Hand)

Mr Simmons and his wife Emma, who rose to Owslebury fame after making a 1.7m tall Bagpuss scarecrow, also organised a miniature garden competition and presented a certificate of creativity to all entrants.

Hampshire Chronicle: Emma SimmonsEmma Simmons (Image: Siobhan Hand)

Visitors voted for the favourites and in first place were Edward, four, with his “Bee House Cottage Garden” and Arthur, eight, who created “The Secret Garden”. Both children won a Marwell Zoo family day ticket.

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Hampshire Chronicle: Arthur and his creation The Secret GardenArthur and his creation The Secret Garden (Image: Siobhan Hand)

In second place and winners of an animal meet and greet with tea and cake at Sweetbriar Farm Sanctuary were Rebecca, aged six, with “Jasper’s Haunted Harvest Garden” and Polly, 14, who crafted a “Zen Garden”.

In third place and winners of a £15 voucher for Brambridge Park Garden Centre were Toby, aged six, with his “Dinosaur World” and Scarlett Emery, 10, who made “The Pink Palace of the Forest”.

Fitness instructor Penni Harrison was busy running kettlebell demonstrations with her students. 

Organisers hope to re-launch the Fun Dog Show next year. Proceeds from the fete will be divided between St Andrew's Church and local village projects.