Beaconsfield's annual country fayre is set to return - along with the infamous stretcher race - this weekend. 

The highlight of the town's calendar, the country fayre will delight crowds on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29).

The popular stretcher race sees teams of four in fancy dress carry a fifth person on a stretcher around a gruelling course of eight pubs, stopping at each for a “half”.

For the budding athletes inspired by Team GB’s success at the Rio Olympics, there is a children’s stretcher race where teams of four carry a teddy bear around a shorter course stopping for a soft drink. 

The competition forms part of the Beaconsfield Country Fayre, which is celebrating its tenth year in 2016 and is expected to attract more than 5,000 people.

The fayre has raised more than £100,000 for charity in ten years and is organised by Rennie Grove, Beaconsfield Lions, Beaconsfield Rotary, Beaconsfield Round Table and St Mary’s Church Heritage Fund.

It is also time for Beaconsfield pet owners to start pampering their dogs ahead of the dog show, which will see them go head to head in various classes, including dog with the waggiest tail.

Sylvia Jones, co-chair of the Beaconsfield Country Fayre, is hoping the sun will finally shine on the town after years of torrential downpours on the day. 

She said: “The weather forecast is promising a nice day for Monday which will bring the crowds. Also the support we have received from local businesses is really fantastic and because of their kind generosity, we are able to continue to have a free event for the community to enjoy and raise thousands of pounds for local charities.” 

Beaconsfield Country Fayre will run from 11am until 4pm in Windsor End, Beaconsfield. For more details, visit www.beaconsfieldcountryfayre.org.

  • H C Grimstead funeral directors will not be taking part in this year's stretcher race.