In the United Kingdom and some of its former colonies, a fête is a public outdoor festival organised to raise money for a charity. It typically includes entertainment and the sale of goods and refreshments.[1]
Village fêtes are common in Britain. These are usually outdoor shows held on village greens or recreation grounds with a variety of activities. They are organised by an ad hoc committee of volunteers from organisations like religious groups or residents' associations. Fêtes can also be seen in former British colonies. In Australia, fêtes are often held yearly by schools and sometimes churches to raise funds.
In Australia, fêtes are typically held by primary schools & other not-for-profit organisations (e.g. the local Seniors' Club, church groups) as fundraisers.
^The New Oxford Dictionary of English (1998). ISBN0-19-861263-X. p. 677 – "fête/feɪt/nounBrit. a public function, typically held outdoors and organised to raise funds for charity...".