Narrow Street fete takes a break

Co-organiser Jo Faulkner said: "Unfortunately, it's not happening this year, but we're all committed to picking it up next year and running with it.

"A lot of people come up to us and ask us when it's happening. It's something that people look forward to."

The fete was cooked up four years ago in The Grapes pub in Narrow Street, and its first outing was launched by legendary actor and local resident Sir Ian McKellen.

Organisers embraced traditional English entertainment such as the coconut shy, tombola and Punch and Judy shows, while funding and support was provided by local estate agents, bars, businesses and The Wharf newspaper.

Organiser Paul Burcher admitted that the organising committee had not started applying for sponsorship before deciding to call off this year's fete.

Paul has been involved in the fete since its inception, and remains keen to mould a "sustainable, community-focused event" which brings the Limehouse community together.

He said: "We felt that this year we wanted to change the event in some way and ultimately didn't feel we had the time to give it our full attention.

"We never got into the process of raising money.

"Although it's not happening this year, we feel it's well supported and we're looking for people to help inject some new ideas into it.

"The event isn't dead and buried. We're taking a time out, but we're interested in the views of anyone who wants to get on board."

Contact Paul at paulb@ metia.com