ORGANISERS of the Thriplow Daffodil Weekend are keeping their fingers crossed for fine weather in the run-up to the weekend’s event.

Now in its 45th year, the weekend attracts thousands of visitors from far and wide, but the unexpected cold snap which has hit the area this week means some of flowers have yet to bloom.

“Some of the daffodils are out, and some aren’t”, said Dan Murton from the festival organising committee.

“If we could guarentee three or four days of sun this week that would be good!

“The daffodils are lovely to see, but there is so much going on in the village, with all sorts of different stalls and displays.”

Indeed, there will be 130 pitches all around Thriplow, with Morris dancing, bell ringing, and a hog roast. A new feature this year is a Taste of Thriplow, which will see fine food produced in the village on sale.

The weekend started in 1969 because the church was in need of major roof repairs. Residents decided to open up their gardens and made cups of tea from their own houses. That first festival raised £206, and since then more than £300,000 has been raised for various charities.

“I would say nearly everyone in the village has been involved at some point or another,” said Mr Murton.

“It’s a real community event, and it supports organisations in Thriplow, such as the cricket club or the village school, as well as a nominated external charity each year.”

This year organisers have chosen the Blue Smile, a charity which provides counselling and support in Cambridgeshire’s schools, as their nominated charity.

The festival runs from 11am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17. Entry is £5, £2.50 for children, and pre-school children go free. For more details on the programme, log on to www.thriplow.org.uk