FROM a few tables scattered outside a pub, to bands, games and more than 500 visitors — the annual Albaston Fete is celebrating getting bigger and better for its 30th anniversary this year. The fete started in 1984 with three or four tables set up outside the Queen's Head in the village by members of the local RAOB (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes) — Jan Biggs, Elmer Palmer, Jack Thompson and John Hughes — in a bid to raise funds for local charities. Secretary of the Albaston Fete Committee Jan Rackstraw said: 'The fete moved to Kingsett House, the home of Andy and Ginny Jackett and family. 'The fete has been opened by a number of local celebrities, including Edward Woodward and Michelle Dotrice, Anthony Bygraves, Sir Robert Hicks and many familiar faces from local radio and television. There used to be a fete run — pub relay — on the Friday evening but this no longer takes place as we do not have enough volunteers to organise it.' The fete later moved to the Millennium Green as it had grown considerably and has now become a main event on the local calendar. Jan said: 'When we had to cancel it in 2012 due to high winds and storms, we were inundated with people concerned that it might be the last one.' The fete has now expanded into a large event, and this year on Saturday, June 14, the fete will be opened by MP Sheryll Murray at 2pm. Events will include a town crier competition, organised by Tamar Valley Town Crier Hilary Fairhurst, music from Yorkie (The Family Band) which has performed at the fete around six times, a young rock school, a children's art competition, Delaware School Dancers, archery, pig racing, a giant bouncy slide, vintage cars as well as a number of games, activities and stalls. On the Friday evening before there will also be a concert by the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir in the Tamar Methodist Church, starting at 7.30pm. Jan said: 'Although the fete has changed considerably from those early days in 1984, the ethos remains the same — to raise funds for local charities and to have fun while doing it. 'A fitting tribute to a few old blokes and a couple of tables selling bric-a-brac outside a local pub!' Thanks were expressed to Pete May, Jan Rackstraw, Cath Maunder, Kath Walsh and the team of marshals and helpers who put a lot of time into making the fete possible each year. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help on the day, contact the committee through Facebook 'Albaston Fete' or call Patsy at Libra Hairdressers on 01822 833800.