A great year at Soham for pumpkins, ferrets and most vegetables but not so sunny for sunflowers but the crowds loved it all

After a frosty start, the sun soon burned through the mist for a bright Saturday in Soham and the annual pumpkin fair.

Ely Standard: Soham pumpkin fair 2018. Hundreds headed to the town on Saturday for the annual pumpkin fair - and organisers said it was a record year too for pumpkins because of the weather, But there were plenty of other attractions for the family. Soham pumpkin fair 2018. Hundreds headed to the town on Saturday for the annual pumpkin fair - and organisers said it was a record year too for pumpkins because of the weather, But there were plenty of other attractions for the family. (Image: Archant)

Competition entries flooded in throughout the morning as gigantic pumpkins, enormous sunflowers and other various shapes of vegetable arrived at the recreation ground.

Decorated cakes, floral arrangements, art and poetry were also entered into the indoor competitions showing off the creativity of local groups and residents.

Many emphasised this year’s theme of ‘Garden of Gold’- chosen to raise awareness of September as National Childhood Cancer Month.

Beneficiaries of the proceeds will be The Liam Fairhurst Foundation (Soham’s own children’s cancer charity) together with the three local primary schools; St Andrews, The Shade and the Weatheralls.

With judging complete, it became evident that it was a record-breaking year for pumpkins with the heaviest being grown by Mr John Richardson of Chatteris with a weight of 408kg.

Sunflower entries however were not quite as good as last year, perhaps due to the strong winds a couple of weeks ago.

At 1.30pm the fair was opened by Callum Fairhurst, who then went on to judge the children’s and pet fancy dress. Arena events then followed with displays by the local schools, ferret racing, Ely Irish Dancing and Kuk Sool Won martial arts.

The crowds also enjoyed entertainment from Soham Classic Cars, Bygones, children’s craft and story tents, Zorbs, Chris’s Animal Encounters, a funfair and numerous stalls by local charities.