Around 6,000 people from a local community came together recently for a 2-day fete in aid of us – keeping a decades-old tradition alive.
Grimsby Fire Station first started hosting the event – which sees rides, stalls, games and displays fill a local playing field – 45 years ago, and it’s gone from strength to strength ever since.
This year, the first time the fete has been held since Covid, the crew extended it from one day to two and raised a huge £31,000. After covering costs, they raised £11,717 for us, and £2,929 for St Andrews Hospice, which is close to the station.
Steve Maloney, a firefighter at the station, helped to organise the event this year and says: “Around 45 years ago, a load of firefighters from the station got together and came up with the idea for the public to come together for a one-day fete in the playing field that’s in the grounds of the fire station.
“They had stalls and games like Hook a Duck, darts, hoops, skittles, ten pin bowling and old retro stalls. It was such a success that they carried it on from there and the event started to grow legs over the years.
“What hasn’t changed over the years, however, is the stalls. We used the original stalls this year, along with some new ones, so it’s really special and a tribute to those first firefighters who started it.
“The minute we mention the event, people will say they’ve been going for generations. They may have gone as children, and now they’re taking their grandchildren too.”
This year’s fete saw around 6,000 people come through the gates – the most that Steve believes they’ve ever seen.
“Local businesses provide prizes – sale or return – and we do all our own food like burgers and hot dogs,” he adds. “We get a reduced rate from the butchers, then major supermarkets donate ice creams. All the profit goes to the charity and the second beneficiary each time.
“It’s always been in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity, along with a second beneficiary – often the local hospice.
“I’ve worked with colleagues that have been supported by you through devastating times. Knowing it’s there for us and our colleagues and families is fundamental to our career and the role we carry out. That needs funding.”
To get involved in fundraising yourself, click here:
