Growing Wellington businesses sponsor this year’s Fayre
There’s just a month to go until this year’s Midsummer Fayre – the town’s biggest free community event. This year’s sponsors are two local firms in the midst of expansion – and they’re based just meters from each other in Market Street.
The main sponsor this year is FRO Blinds, Telford’s only independent window-dressing shop. The business, which opened in 2023, has its own manufacturing unit, giving the business more control over quality, lead times and pricing. With space at his Market Street shop getting tight, owner Andy is planning to move into larger Wellington premises in the next few months. “We’re really excited about the move” he says. “It will enable us to expand our range further with more home furnishings, so that we’re able to develop a more well-rounded interiors offer.” FRO received initial support from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Your High Street Fund and now, as the business continues to grow, is keen to return the favour through its support for the Midsummer Fayre. “We have benefitted from local support to establish our business and it’s nice to provide some support to our community in return. The Midsummer Fayre is one of those events that really brings the town to life and it’s exactly the sort of thing local businesses should get behind.”
This year’s supporting sponsor for the event is Rowton Brewery, the family brewing business based at The Pheasant Inn. Like their neighbours at FRO, Rowton Brewery are steadily expanding as their portfolio of pubs grows. Since taking on The Pheasant in 2017, the business has gone on to acquire The Old Fighting Cocks at Oakengates, The Wrekin Inn (also Wellington), The Tiddly at Ellerdine and now The Bridge Inn at Newport – currently closed for refurbishment. “We try not to be too heavy-handed about making our mark on the pubs we take on,” says head brewer Steve Preston. “They all have their own atmosphere and we want to preserve that. What matters to us is that they’re welcoming, well-run and serve the best beer you could want – which is lucky, because we’re the ones who make it.”
The Rowton team are familiar with Wellington H2A’s historically-themed events – founder Jim Preston regularly appears in costume at the group’s Charter Day festivities in March, and the pub hosts the annual baking contest as part of that event. “Every town is different just as every pub is different, and events like the Fayre help to retain that unique character” says Steve. “Midsummer Fayre day is always a busy day in town and long may it continue.”
So, a big thank you to both businesses for their support – the event couldn’t go ahead without them.