A former hostage who was held captive for almost five years will open a Suffolk fete later this month, which celebrates 800 years of the villages. 

The Hartest Fete 2024 will be opened by humanitarian Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, who lives in the village, near Bury St Edmunds, and spent almost five years in captivity after being kidnapped by Islamic terrorists in Lebanon from January 1987 to November 1991.

Sir Terry WaiteSir Terry Waite (Image: Newsquest)

The fete will take place on Bank Holiday Monday August 26, from 1pm to 5pm, and celebrates 800 years of Hartest and Boxted. 

Described as the 'perfect family outing whatever the weather', it will be held on the village green in Hartest. 

Signage for the Hartest Fete 2024Signage for the Hartest Fete 2024 (Image: Submitted)

The event attracts hundreds of visitors and includes attractions like Morris dancing, children's races, a dog show, classic cars, and refreshments. 

This year there will also be live music from The Versions and Ben Smith. 

Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE will be selling signed copies of his books, including Out of the Silence, Travels with a Primate and Tales of Tommy Twitchnose.