The community of Haddenham (Bucks) was left disappointed that two of the major fixtures in the village’s social calendar – Summerfest and the Haddenham Village Fete have both been cancelled for 2026.
A group of villagers, led by Alex Alderton, founder of StrEat Meet, have come to the rescue with a “Summer Party” planned for Saturday 4th July 2026.
Maintaining Haddenham’s focus on supporting local causes, StrEat Meet’s community partners for the event will be 'The Rose & Thistle Reborn' – a campaign to save Haddenham’s iconic village pub – and Blooming Fruity, Haddenham’s Community
Greengrocer.
The StrEat Meet Summer Party will be free to enter and will include 10 Street Food Traders serving up amazing flavours. A mini showcase of beers and cider will include six real ales, four ciders, two lagers and one craft beer. There will be DJs all day, plus a
celebration of the first anniversary of Studio 105, Haddenham’s local soul radio station.
There will also be a bouncy castle and face painting.
Alex Alderton said: “Summerfest may be taking a break for 2026, but we’re ready to bring the community together for a brilliant day of food, music and good times. I’m sure everyone will have been holding 4th July in their calendar and we felt that we had to do
something for the village but on a smaller scale. As we’re celebrating great food and drink, The Rose & Thistle Reborn and Blooming Fruity are natural community partners for the Summer Party. A great event for a great village – don’t miss it!”
Greg Smith, Chair of Team Rose & Thistle Reborn said: “Our vision is to see The Rose & Thistle Reborn as an inclusive and vibrant community hub where everyone comes together to forge friendships over food and drink. We’re delighted to be a community partner of the Summer Party and see it as the perfect event to bring the whole community together, showcase want we want to achieve as a community pub and give Haddenham a boost this summer.”
Alan Thawley, Communications Manager for Blooming Fruity said: “Blooming Fruity is run for and by the community of Haddenham. We attend and support local events like Summerfest and Haddenham Village Fete so being the community partner of StrEat Meet for the Summer Party is a perfect fit.” Alan, who is also a Trustee of Zero Carbon Haddenham, added: “Our team of “Binfluencers” will be at the Summer Party, ensuring it’s as sustainable as possible by collecting food waste and maximising recycling.”
Deep Kundhi, Studio 105 presenter said “Studio 105 delighted to be celebrating our one year anniversary at the StrEat Meet Summer Party. We’ll be bringing the summer vibe with classic soul, RnB and reggae. Music has a special way of bringing people together
and creating unity and we’re looking forward to doing just that for Haddenham on 4th July
