Blanketing the village of Thriplow in yellow blooms each year, the annual daffodil festival returns this March
Since 1969, the Thriplow Daffodil Weekend has been one of Cambridgeshire’s best-loved charity fundraising events. It began as an effort by Thriplow residents to raise money for the church’s much-needed roof repairs – by making cups of tea for visitors to their gardens, no less – but its incredible success made the Thriplow Daffodil Weekend an annual event. Some of the villagers still open their gardens for visitors of the event to this day.
Run entirely by volunteers, the event attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year. The festival offers over 100 stalls throughout the village, selling everything from clothes to coffee. Virtually everyone in the village and its surrounding area volunteers to help organise the weekend, with preparations beginning months in advance. The Thriplow community comes together to produce a thoroughly impressive event that has raised more than £450,000 for charity over the past 50 years. Their work was recognised in 2011 when the festival committee received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is akin to an MBE for charities.
Thriplow Daffodil Weekend of course gets its name from the flowers that constellate the village in springtime. There are more than 100 different varieties of daffodil on show during the weekend, with the people of the village planting more each year. They make sure to plant early and late varieties, so no matter what the weather, visitors are guaranteed to be greeted by a village dotted with daffodils. Newly planted for 2020 is the Thriplow Gold, which is a variety of narcissus that has been specially dedicated to the village.
Whether you’re browsing the stunning daffodil displays, enjoying a cup of tea and some handmade cake in one of the tea rooms, or riding on a vintage tractor, the festival is fun for all the family
Visitors are free to wander the car-free village over the two days, drinking in everything the traditional country fair has to offer. Whether you’re browsing the stunning daffodil displays, enjoying a cup of tea and some homemade cake in one of the tea rooms, or riding on a vintage tractor, the festival is fun for all the family. This year, you can find street food and beer at Taste of Thriplow, watch demos by the blacksmiths in the smithy, see the classic cars on show at Vintage Thriplow, and enjoy the morris dancing on the village green and the Civil War re-enactors marching through the village. There is also live music, painting exhibitions, poetry recitals and magic shows.
Chairman of Thriplow Daffodil Weekend Paul Earnshaw says: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to experience a typical English village fete – but this one is on steroids! During the weekend, the villagers will serve more than 6000 cups of tea and 3000 slices of cake – not a bad effort for a village with only 400 residents! With live music being played all around the village, it’s the perfect place to get some springtime cheer. And there are daffodils too; we now have over a million planted in and around the village. We are always guaranteed to have flowers in bloom as we have over 117 different varieties, including our very own daffodil named after the village. Thriplow Daffodil Weekend is England at its eccentric, welcoming best!”
Matchbox Label Prints
For all of you heading to the festival, make sure to check out Jenny Lindop’s Matchbox Label Prints stall while you’re there. The prints are digitally enhanced versions of original mid to late 20th-century matchbox labels from Eastern Europe and Russia, and are perfect for adding something a little different to your decor. You can catch them opposite The Green Man pub on the weekend, or head to Jenny’s website to browse the designs. jennywrendesign.co.uk
This year’s Thriplow Daffodil Festival takes place on 28 and 29 March from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are £8, with discounted tickets for children and families. Book online before 22 March to get 10% off at thriplowdaffodils.org.uk
