
EETN Chairman Judy Sarssam, with her husband Amer and the poster she created advertising the Picture Yourself In A Derby Festival Hat EETN stall
When we discussed the type of market stall we could have to raise funds for the Mayor’s Charities on Derby Festival night, on Thursday 31stMay, what better idea we thought, than a festival hat stall? Only we added a twist for fun.
EETN Derby Festival Hat Stall
As one of the Mayor’s three chosen charities, we set up our stall under a gazebo in the market square, offering adults and children the chance to take two selfies wearing two different hats of their choice, at a cost of just one pound. What a bargain! And what a selection of elegant Derby-winning hats we had, in pinks, blues, yellows and all the colours of the rainbow. Big brims, bows, flowers and veils with a touch of nostalgia were the order of the day.

Celeste Sonnex looking very glam in her hat
There were bowlers, boaters even an Australian cork hat and a huge Mexican sombrero with a mini size for children.

Maria Reeves, Director of Epsom and Ewell Arts Festival with her son, who loved the sombrero
For the men, we had every style of hat, including a sea captain’s hat and a Tommy Cooper style fez.
- EETN listener Luke took part in the fun
- Paul Sonnex doing a Tommy Cooper impression
The evening ended with Sinatra-style singer Wayne Woodward on stage. He was a finalist in Britain’s Got Talent and he certainly has.

Wayne Woodward and Celeste Sonnex with the Mayor and Mayoress in the background
Wayne’s songs were the highlight of the night, but our highlight at EETN was when HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip graced us with their presence. At least, we thought they bore a great resemblance…

HM The Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Philip