Despite coronavirus restrictions the Festival Group managed to put up the village Christmas tree and had Father Christmas tour Dunchurch in a sleigh, accompanied by five assistant elves. The money they collected was donated to Myton Hospice.

Rob Collings, Dunchurch Festival Group Chairman, said: “We thought it best to only have a few helpers as government restrictions said only six can meet outdoors. But members Wendy, Fiona, Amber and Nigel of the Festival Group did really well collecting with fishing nets so they could easily social distance.”

Myton Hospices CEO, Ruth Freeman, said: "We expect to see overall losses this year of at least £1 million but our commitment to our patients and their families will not waver, and with the support of our local community I am confident that we can continue to provide our vital services now and in the months ahead. I would like to say a big thank you to the Dunchurch Festival Group for their Christmas fundraising, the money raised will make a huge difference, at a time when we need their support more than ever."

During 2020 Dunchurch Festival Group had to cancel many of its events, including the village fete.

Rob said: “The impact on not having the fete last year was big for us as that is our main breadwinner for the year. We normally have a quiz night, film night, ghost walk at halloween and more. They are more social events and mainly to bring the community together - sometimes they make good money, sometimes they don't.”

However, Rob said, most of the groups in the village they help to fund also had difficulties with their events last year, so the Festival Group received no applications for funding.

“So even though our income was reduced, our outgoings were also reduced,” he said.

There is as yet no theme for this year’s fete. The Group expects that if it does go ahead it may have to be a smaller affair.

Rob said: “Our primary concern is for the welfare of all - stallholders, volunteers and visitors so we have to think long and hard before we make a decision regarding any event we may put on.”