A Brief History of the Sutton on Trent Festival
What began as a small fundraiser to restore the village church has grown into one of the community’s most cherished annual events. Over the years, the festival has not only become a much-loved fixture in the village calendar but also an essential source of support for local organisations.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of volunteers and visitors alike, the festival has raised thousands of pounds to benefit the local community.
At its heart, the festival celebrates the traditional art of steam threshing — the age-old method of harvesting wheat and baling straw. Each August, a team of willing volunteers gathers to harvest locally grown wheat using a 1950s Lanz Binder, keeping this wonderful tradition alive.
The Sutton on Trent Festival is a non-profit event, organised by the Sutton on Trent Village Fund, raising money for good causes across the community. Every penny you spend at the entrance and during the weekend goes straight back into supporting our local community. Each year, we raise funds at the gate to create a donation pool that helps a variety of local causes.
Recent beneficiaries include:
- Sutton on Trent Primary School, helping with transport to their Christmas Panto
- The Defibrillator Group
- Sutton on Trent Church Summer Fete
- Sutton on Trent Methodist Church Hall
- Green Willows
Your support truly makes a difference!
Thank you to our festival supporters