Families and fun-seekers are being thanked by the hosts of a new two-day festival for helping them celebrate a special anniversary. Nick and Emma Woodhouse have hailed the event, which marks their first decade at The Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford, a huge success.

Hundreds of people flocked to Fleur Fest which also raised £650 for a local children’s charity, Molly Ollys, on June 29th-30th. It featured a host of entertainment and activities throughout the weekend, from live musicians and performers - including stilt walkers and bubbleology - to craft and circus skills workshops, market and charity stalls and even a dog show with prizes!

Emma said: “We were delighted to see so many happy faces filling our beer garden for Fleur Fest. The weekend was intended to celebrate the brilliance of pubs, as well as our tenth anniversary, and it certainly felt very joyful! From children chasing StiltMan around the garden to the sound of great bands filling the air, we really enjoyed doing something a bit different to our normal pies-and-pints operation."

The couple, who juggle running their business with the parenting of two young children, moved to Warwickshire from Bristol for their current project, combining 30 years of experience in the industry. 
The Fleur De Lys first opened as a tavern in the early 20th century, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies.

It is nestled in the picturesque village of Lowsonford on the banks of the Stratford Canal between winding roads which used to be part of The Forest of Arden. The garden boasts an acre of land and is also popular as a stop-off for canal users.

A team from Molly Ollys raised funds and awareness across the festival weekend. The Warwick-based charity was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

It works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as providing wishes and donating therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.