FROM duck races to a hobby horse derby, a summer fair raised an estimated £46,000 for Salisbury Hospice.

The charity staged the Salisbury Summer Fair in the grounds of the Wilton House Estate on Saturday, August 5.

And organisers estimate the fundraiser brought in excess of £46,000 for the cause.

The fair was opened by the hospice charity’s new patron, The Countess of Pembroke, and featured a host of classic attractions and some new elements for all the family.

New to the event was a wellness village, known as The Retreat, provided the ultimate breath of fresh air for those seeking not only cover from the rain, but rewarding workshops, wellbeing and self-care talks and more.

Meanwhile, the Hobby Horse Derby saw children of all ages take on the fun and rewarding mini horse jumps in the main arena.

Youngsters took on the jumps of the Hobby Horse Derby. Picture: Spencer Mulholland

And from high jumps to big splashes in the water, as hundreds of families cheered on their rubber ducks in the inaugural duck race on the River Nadder.

There was also live music, arena acts, a dog show, stalls, agricultural displays, classic vehicles and steam engines.

Moyra Rowney, events fundraiser for Salisbury Hospice, said: “The day was extraordinary and in the truest British spirit, the challenging weather conditions added that little something extra to the event.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the visitors who braved the elements; the kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke and the team at Wilton House Estate; to our traders and exhibitors for their support; the musicians and main arena acts who kept us entertained; all our sponsors, and particularly our headline sponsor, the Hendy Group; and finally, to our amazing volunteers who worked tirelessly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – always smiling, always positive, always upbeat.

The Retreat wellness village offered some relaxing activities

“Ours is a unique event with a warm, friendly, inclusive atmosphere and that is created by everyone involved. Thank you.”

As part of the event, visitors could take in the Hospice Village, run by staff and volunteers, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the vital, end-of-life services the hospice provides.

Attendees participated in some of the therapies patients experience, such as pebble painting, horticultural therapy and craft activities, while some even had a massage from one of the hospice’s experienced complementary therapists.

For more on the Salisbury Hospice charity, log on to salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk.