Thriplow in bloom ahead of annual Daffodil Festival weekend

A village is gearing up for an invasion of thousands of visitors for its annual daffodil weekend.

The Thriplow Daffodil Festival weekend is one of South Cambridgeshire’s top tourist attractions, with coach loads of people coming from far and wide.

It takes place this weekened, and Dan Murton, from the organising committee, told The Crow: “The daffodils are in full bloom and the residents of Thriplow are putting together the final preparations for this weekend’s Daffodil Festival. Nearly everyone in the village does something; cakes are being baked, car parking rotas have been drawn up, the sandwich team are ready to swing into action on Friday evening while others will be serving teas, checking the road closed signs and managing the placement of marquees, portaloos and stall pitches up and down the village.”

The weekend usually takes place earlier in the year, but was delayed by three weeks this time around due to the flowers blooming late.

Mr Murton added: “Now in its 46th year, Thriplow Daffodil Weekend has become one of the region’s biggest charity event, regularly attracting more than 7,000 visitors. “With over 100 craft and rural stalls and attractions galore, including a miniature steam railway, heavy horse dray rides, vintage vehicles, sheep dog displays, Morris dancing and a showcase of favourite local food heroes, there is something for everyone, young or old.”

As reported in The Crow last month, the village pub, the community-owned Green Man, will be playing a big part in the Taste of Thriplow tent, a new feature launched last year which showcases local produce.

The daffodil weekend runs from 11am - 5pm on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April. Entry is £5 for adults, £2.50 for children, and under-fives go free. All monies raised go to local charities and this year, the benficiaries will be Home Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire.

For more information, log on to www.thriplowdaffodils.org.uk.