Whittlesey Big Bash V went off with a bang as crowds descended for fun day of activities, music and entertainment
A popular town event proved to be another successful day in the calendar as crowds flocked to join in with the fun.
Whittlesey’s Big Bash V brought the community together, thanks to the generous overall sponsors, EPD Insulation Group, and the day's events being provided for free.
The national anthem started the day, with organiser Robert Windle welcoming the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Frances Stanley DL, and the mayor, Alex Miscandlon, as well as Emma Rudd, an 11-year-old winner, to be VIP for the day. All of the special guests arrived in classic vehicles.
It was a packed programme with High Sheriff Awards to the volunteers who give an enormous amount of their free time to help the community. These included:
- Eamonn Dorling – various Community Groups
- Ray Hunt – Fens Disability Bowls Association
- Freddie Johnson - Radio Fenland
- Elaine May - Tea at 23
- Kevin McKevitt - Remembrance Parade and 80th VE Day
- David Oldfield - Disabilities Radio Fenland
- Jim Osborne - Peterborough Horticultural Society
- William and Dena Old - Eastrea Lunch Club
- John Pope - Many fishing organisations
- Eddie Shevlane - Whittlesey Junior Football Club
- Gary Spendelow - Good Neighbour
Whittlesey Town Council also presented its prestigious Citizen of the Year Awards, with Freddie Johnson given the youth award and Robert Windle being handed the adult award.
On the day, there were many sports for visitors to join in with, including rifle shooting, fishing, running, walking football, rugby, netball, tennis, paddle boarding, and cricket.
There were 350 classic vehicles, including Hot Rods, a Green Goddess, motor bikes, and so much more.
There was a competitive element with the Summer Showdown Scooter competition, where youngsters showed off their skills, thanks to sponsorship from Clarion Futures, Rotary Club of Whittlesey, and Whittlesey Rifle Club
On the stage, there were performances by DJ L.I.am, DJ Chris Osler, SCAMP, Vault Academy, Young Technicians/Limelight Academy of Performing Arts, Eye2 Eye Acoustic, and Viral Peach, closing the stage.
Indoors, in addition to the awards, there was family sports, a sensory space, the Big Bash 60plus Slurp, and a family disco.
Organiser Robert Windle said: “It was a fantastic community day and we are grateful for the visit of the High Sheriff, who engaged with many groups and even caught a fish from the Bower River.
“Everything was provided free for the community thanks to generous sponsorship from main sponsors EPD Insulation Group and extra help from Helping Whittlesey Food Pantry, Dream Elite Care, Freedom Leisure, and Fenland District Council. Big Bash Vl will be Sunday, June 21, 2026.”
