The rain clouds cleared and Soho’s community turned out in style, to celebrate the 50th Soho Village Fete organised by the Soho Society, in St Anne’s Gardens, Wardour Street, on Sunday.
The Jubilee was a suitably themed, as 50 Soho Waiters raced up Dean Street, in the world- famous, Soho waiters’ race. Meanwhile 50 snails competed enthusiastically with much romance, and The Soho Society’s Italian bar, served 50 free shots of French 75 cocktails to celebrate the anniversary.
The main event, the World Famous Waiter’s Race, did not disappoint. Waiters and bar staff from Soho’s leading restaurants, bars and cafes raced from the French House to Soho Square. Stefan from Ham Yard Hotel, and Stara from Mr. Foggs Pawnbrokers, raced home to win first male and female first prize categories, Jake from Seafood Bar, Runner Up, and Coco the Time Travelling Tart from L’Escargot, winning Best-dressed, louchely elegant in pearls, cocktail dress, heels and cigarette holder. Full Results Attached
VIP’s including TV presenter Gail Porter, the ever-dapper Soho George, singer Rachel D’Arcy, The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr. Paul Dimoldenberg accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Leader of the Council Adam Hug, and Two Cities MP Rachel Blake, enjoyed the day, alongside residents, businesses, and slightly bemused visitors.
Stalls provided food, drink, plants, records, Tombola, Splat the Rat, Human Fruit Machine and even a Tarot card reader. Local pub, The French House bar supported the Fete once again, serving up jugs of Pimm’s and unusually for the French House, pints of Meteor beer.
Top prize in the raffle, a keyboard from Yamaha Music London, went to a delighted Soho resident, who down the street from the store.
The Tug of war was won decisively by firefighters from Soho Fire Station, with Soho Police team numbers, topped up by the Fete’s own security team, Rapid Security Services.
Eight Soho dogs took part in the dog show with local girl Pearl winning “Most Soho Dog.” Every dog won a prize and prizes included, “Dog Most Like its Owner,” and “Dog Most Likely to Win Wimbledon.” Full Results Attached.
Eighteen competitors lined up for the Spaghetti Eating competition with Soho restaurant Pastaio providing the prizes, a meal for two and T-shirts with extra points awarded for most messy eater.
Crowds were entertained by live music including Yamaha Ambassadors Cian and Kevin Davy White, old-time fete acts, Ray and Johnny, local band The Nightshift, Fete favourites the Fabulous Lounge Swingers and Headliner Clifford Slapper accompanied by none other than Roxy Music’s Andy Mackay.
The Fete is organised by a team from the Soho Society supported by additional volunteers, many of whom get involved year after year.
This was a day for community, and all ages bringing together the best of Soho in a quirky madcap celebration of all that is unique and special about the area. The music finale, a traditional fete crowd-pleasing rendition of Soho Soho, sung to the tune of New York New York, and yes it really did feel as if we could make it here and make it anywhere. What a wonderful Soho afternoon!
With thanks to the Soho Fete Sponsors for keeping the fete free of charge for all to enjoy.
The Crown Estate, Shaftesbury Capital PLC, GPE, Fatto a Mano, Diageo, Storm Flowers London, The Rotary Club, Soho House and Denny’s for the Waiter’s Race, Pastaio for the Spaghetti, Yamaha Music London for the top Raffle Prize, Musicians, instruments, Lily’s Kitchen, Lisa the Petsitter and Soho Poms for the Dog Show and all the amazing Soho raffle donors, thank you Soho!
