The third Botley Big Fete is set to be more ambitious and bigger than ever before.

Taking place on Saturday, organisers hope the event will unite the community, in the face of the West Way plans, whatever their position. 

The new £100m redevelopment of the West Way shopping centre is being fought fiercely by local residents.

Developers Doric Properties wants to pull down Elms Parade shops and Field House sheltered housing to build a hotel, gym, supermarket, cinema, health centre, shops, 50 flats and 525 student rooms.

Event organiser Ag McKeith said: “It’s just to get people together to have a nice time, which is such a precious thing to do.

“I’m amazed so many people have been involved this year. The parish council and the Vale of White Horse district council have both put in £500 towards the fete.”

Local campaign group West Way Community Concern, which is against the project,  met last week to co-ordinate its presence at the fete.

Group volunteer Mary Gill said: “We just want to be a part of the celebrations of the community that we are so concerned about losing if the development plans go ahead.

“Opposition to the proposals has brought the community together, which is what Botley Fete is also all about.”

Organisers expect more than 300 people to attend the colourful fete on Saturday, which includes a Botley Bake Off.

Morris dancing, kids’ races, five-a-side football and an array of local bands will contribute to the festivities.

Children in the area have been without a skate park since their Upper Louie Memorial Field skatebowl was damaged in a fire in 2010, so the fete’s mobile skate park is likely to again be a hit.

Action group Campaign for Botley Skate Park has so far failed to secure a new facility in the area from North Hinksey Parish Council. Organiser Ag McKeith added: “The kids have been asking for a skate park for so long that it’s nice to give them a taste of it. They never stopped using it last year.”

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