A giggle flutters through the crowd as the two performers are made to wait just a moment longer, rings suspended, for the technology to catch up. Then, as the opening notes of Vangelis’ «Chariots of Fire» launch out across the open field, the ladies begin to spin their hoops.

Eager applause erupts, and then whoops of joy as, with the first burst of tinkly notes, our heroes lift their arms and produce a range of synchronised upper body movements, hula hooping all the while. This was the opening ceremony for an olympic-themed performance by the village amateur dramatics society, a live-action contribution to a veritable buffet of community engagement.

Like many a heartfelt celebration of local prowess, this quintessentially English village Fair had the true essence of any joyful neighbourhood gathering: refreshment stands, a Garden Show Tent (prize categories for everything from onions to watercolours, jams to poetry), charity stalls, local crafts, a fun dog show, and there’s always at least one marquee.

The similiarities

I could almost be describing Höngg’s upcoming «Wümmetfäscht». The scale is certainly larger, running over three days and taking over several streets around the church. But there are many similarities: catering (including typically Swiss Raclette and Bratwurst), games and competitions, information stands, musical performances and puppet shows, and definitely more than one marquee.

Now for etymology. The Swiss-german «Wümmet» means «Weinlese» in High German, and Grape Harvest in English. Höngg’s steep hillsides are home to many vines, with name places such as Rebbergsteig (vineyard climb) and Rebhang (wine slope) attesting to the area’s fruitful industry.

For those of us trying to get our tongues around the local dialect, «Fäscht» is easier to manage, being similar to the High German «Fest» for Festival and requiring only a touch more teeth-baring. «Wümmetfäscht» is essentially a Harvest Festival, with Höngg reaping its richness not just in fruits and wine, but in the vitality of a city district holding fast to its village identity.

Time, energy and dedication

However, your community celebrates – hula hooping at the Bradenstoke Village Fair or wine wagon watching at «Wümmatfäscht» – none of it would be possible without the great investment of time, energy and dedication by people who care deeply about where they live. Here is a powerful community spirit for all. The people make the place.

Eingesandt von Jenni Lowthian