SO popular was the 72nd annual Brook Village Fete on Bank Holiday Monday that the Pimm’s tent ran out of booze temporarily.

The sun shone and huge crowds from far and wide descended on the green to enjoy all the fun of the fair at the popular village event.

It was sponsored for the fourth year running by King Edward’s School Witley, and pupils and staff turned out on the day to help Brook residents.

Money raised by the fete goes towards maintaining the village’s Pirrie Hall and grounds, which is home to the cricket club, tennis club, nursery school, children’s playground and other highly valued clubs and activities which support the local community.

The hall, which receives no outside funding, dates from 1923. It was built and given to the community by Witley Park owner Lord Pirrie “for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of the hamlets of Brook, Sandhills and adjoining district”.

A highlight of the afternoon was the fun dog show, and showgoers could try their luck at a host of fairground classics, such as shooting gallery, hook-a-duck, bash-the-rat, face painting, lucky dip, plate smashing and the coconut shy.

Younger visitors took part in the children’s races and there was also a tug-of-war competition, a display of classic cars and performances by Godalming dance troupe, the Fleur de Lys Morris Dancers.

Refreshments included a barbecue and a tea tent offering home made cakes, and the Pirrie Hall was an Aladdin’s Cave of bric-a-brac for the bargain hunter, as well as many hundreds of second-hand books, children’s toys and games.

Natalie Dimmock, head of marketing at King Edward’s, said: “It was once again a pleasure for the school to sponsor Brook Fete.

“The weather was glorious and the event was a roaring success. In blazing sunshine, the fete welcomed huge crowds who came from far and wide.

“Our pupils helped in the tea tent, kiddies corner, bottle hoopla, plate smashing and at two of the most popular stalls – ice cream and burgers.

“The other most popular stall was the Pimm’s tent run by our partner school Barrow Hills. I have never seen so many burgers and ice creams be sold in one place, and even the Pimms tent ran out temporarily.

“It was good to see the huge village and community effort, which raises much needed funds for the Pirrie Hall. Thank you to Jenny Forster, fete organiser, and her team for having us and we look forward to seeing everyone next year, after we have all recovered.”

Jenny added: “It was a fantastic day, a good turnout, and the team worked really hard to make it a huge success.

“Thank you to all who helped with the fete – thanks to the local businesses and a huge thank-you to our sponsor King Edward’s Witley, and the pupils, who worked really hard to make it a special day.”