(Almost) Free Stuff To Do Near Shepherd's Bush - May Fair at St John's Notting Hill on Saturday 9th May at 1pm

May pole dancing at St John's Notting Hill

This saturday May 9th is the annual May Fair at St John's Notting Hill, an event which has been running for the whole of my adult life and a great place to take the kids.  The event starts at 11am and features face painting, may poles, a bric-a-brac stall, home baked cakes and jams, and tons of other stuff. Profits go to good causes around the world. Best of all, it costs just £1 to enter, and kids are free.

St John's Notting Hill

What is the Notting Hill May Fair?

The Notting Hill May Fair has been running at St John's Notting Hill on Ladbroke Grove for more than 25 years. The church, which has a broad nave and a big garden, plays host to traditional village games and stalls, music, Maypole dancing, a Fancy Dress competition and a Dog Show. It’s a family event with a vintage coconut shy, face painting, and a bouncy castle.

When is it?
Saturday 9th May from 1pm until 4pm

Is it free?
Almost. Entry is £1, children go free

What else is happening?
There is also bric-a-brac, second hand books and vintage jewellery stalls, home-made cakes, jams and marmalade, a plant stall selling flowers, and a children’s area selling toys, books and good-as-new kids clothes. Another popular event is the Fancy Dress parade and the crowning of the May King and Queen. There are prizes for every one, but judges will be looking out for the most creative home made costume, as well as other impressive or quirky outfits in both the under fives and five years and above categories. Everyone is welcome and there’s no upper age limit.

St John's Notting Hill. Photo: Wikipedia

And there's a dog show? Seriously?
Yes! Bring your poodle or pug along to the Dog Show, impress the judges and win a rosette and some treats. Even if you don’t have a dog it’s always worth watching, so grab some food from the barbecue or a drink from the Pimms stall and enjoy the show.

What about a raffle?
They have that too. Prizes this year include:
1st Prize: Meal for 2 with Wine at Shed Restaurant in Notting Hill
2nd Prize: £100 voucher for lunch at Mazi
3rd Prize: The Paddington Experience with First Great Western Trains
The draw will be on Saturday 9th May 2015, 4.45pm at St. John’s Church May Fair

How do you get there from Shepherd's Bush?

Two stops on the central line to Notting Hill Gate, or better yet take the 94 or 148 bus a few stops up Holland Park Ave. Get off at Ladbroke Grove and walk up the hill to St John's.

---Alex

The Bush Telegraph offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush.  Read about theCampaign to Save Hammersmith Park, find out about our new Farmer's Market, see what's on at The Bush Theatre,  find out the latest news on the future of Shepherd's Bush Market, and the Council's plans to upgrade the Goldhawk Road and the Uxbridge Road.