OAKLEY VILLAGE SHOW 2026

Oakley Village Show 8 August 2026

Next year sees the 30th anniversary of the Oakley Village Show, at least in its current form. Before that, there had been various annual fayres, but the earliest schedule we have in our records is dated September 14th, 1996.  The show was arranged by Oakley and Deane WI, Oakley Afternoon WI, Oakley Garden Club and Oakley Parish Council.

With OCA now taking responsibility, today’s show is very different. In addition to the exhibits, there are various food outlets, live music, arena entertainment for children and adults, stalls, and a good, old fashioned tug of war.

But if football is a funny old game, so is organising a village show. On the one hand, we want to keep things fresh, but we also want to keep the traditional aspect. So, for example, this year, there were over 80 classes, compared with the original 23, but they still included “A 7” Victoria Sandwich” and yes, you can buy a burger, but the WI cakes are still going strong!.

The fact is, however, that a 30-year anniversary is quite special, and we want to make the 2026 show not only a nod to the past, but a reflection of village life, today. And this is where you come in. We would love to have your thoughts and ideas on any aspect of the show. Are there any classes you would like to see in the schedule? (The craft, art, photography and writing are decided by the beginning of December, so they can be published in the January Link). Do you belong to a village organisation that would like to take part? Or have you seen an outdoor act that you would like to see in our arena? 

Finally, would you want to be involved in seeing the show move from plans in progress to the popular event it is?

If you have any thoughts on any of those, please email me [email protected]. 

Ann Davis on behalf of the committee