A community rallied round to enjoy the popular Soham pumpkin fair with fancy dress, bygones, competitions and displays with a theme of 20 years of Harry Potter.

Ely Standard: Soham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike RouseSoham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

The fair was opened by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Councillor James Palmer.

Ely Standard: Soham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike RouseSoham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

A new competition was announced in memory of a former committee member, Tony Brown who died last October, who was a big fan of the building kits, Meccano. A new indoor competition was launched with links to this.

Ely Standard: Soham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike RouseSoham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

A spokesman said: “The fair has been running since 1975 and is held annually on the last Saturday in September. Every year we raise money for local charities, while providing the community with an enjoyable event.

Ely Standard: Soham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike RouseSoham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

“This year’s fair, now in its 43rd year, has a theme of 20 years of Harry Potter. This year’s beneficiaries will be Soham Community First Responders and Soham Creative Minds.”

Ely Standard: Soham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike RouseSoham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

Money was raised by holding competitions for the largest pumpkin, sunflower and various other vegetables and there were other contests ranging from cookery to poetry.

Ely Standard: Soham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike RouseSoham pumpkin fayre PHOTO: Mike Rouse (Image: Archant)

There were arena events, vintage vehicles, bygones, charity stalls, a funfair, BBQ, refreshments, raffle and prize giving ceremony.

“Thanks must go to the town council for their continued support, to our band of volunteers, sponsors and helpers, but most of all to you who make this day so successful, while raising money for our local charities.”