St Alban's Church Summer Fête 2026: A Touch of English Charm in the Heart of Copenhagen

For generations, the St Alban's Summer Fête has been a beloved tradition in the heart of Copenhagen: a day of homemade cakes, books, stalls, games, fun, and people coming together.

On Saturday 22 August 2026, the tradition continued as St Alban's Church held its annual Summer Fête in Churchillparken, one of the church's largest community events of the year.

Inspired by the classic English fête, the day brought together the church community, Copenhagen residents, international families, and visitors for a relaxed summer gathering in one of the city's most beautiful settings.

Visitors explored a variety of traditional stalls, discovered new and second-hand treasures, browsed English-language books, enjoyed homemade cakes, jams and marmalades, and took part in games and activities throughout the day. There was food and refreshments, music, children's activities, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends old and new.

Located beside the Gefion Fountain, between the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace, St Alban's Church has been part of Copenhagen since 1887. Often known as "the English Church," it has long been a place where people from different cultures and backgrounds come together.

Our thanks go to everyone who came along, to the volunteers who gave their time, and to all who helped make the day such a warm and welcoming one. We hope to see you again next summer.

📅 Saturday 22 August 2026

📍 St Alban's Church, Churchillparken 11, Copenhagen

The Story Behind the Fête: A Tradition Built by Generations

The Summer Fête may now be known for its colourful tents on the green outside St Alban's, but its story began long before that.

Before moving outdoors, the church community gathered each November for a Christmas Bazaar at Helligåndskirken on Strøget. The Bazaar was a highlight of the year, filled with stalls, refreshments, and the work of volunteers who spent months preparing behind the scenes.

Many still remember Doris Brown's calendar stall in the 1980s. Doris carefully prepared handmade calendar cards throughout the year, creating a stall that became a familiar and much-loved part of the Bazaar.

The tea shop was another favourite gathering place, run by dedicated volunteers including Eileen Illey, a professional caterer who helped shape the church's hospitality for many years.

After a short break, the idea emerged to bring the tradition home to St Alban's by holding a summer fête outside the church. The first outdoor Fête was a simple affair: an army-green tent was borrowed for tea, several stalls stood in the open air, and the day was carried by volunteers, visitors, and fortunately, good weather.

As the years passed, the Fête continued to grow. More stalls joined, tents filled the church grounds, and for a time it even became a two-day event, with scouts camping overnight to look after the site.

One particularly memorable year came in 1996, when Copenhagen celebrated its year as European Capital of Culture and the tall ships arrived in the harbour. The Fête welcomed a town crier and Morris dancers from the UK, volunteers dressed in costume, and the weekend became one of the most successful in its history.

Decades later, much has changed, but the spirit of the Fête remains the same: a community coming together, sharing traditions, and creating a welcoming space for everyone.