Town to evoke the spirit of 1253 during 758th Old Fair week

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CHULMLEIGH will be tipping a flat cap or two to the past when the town celebrates its ancient roots with a week of festivities next week (July 26-30).

The annual Old Fair week gets underway on Tuesday night with the traditional family service at the Parish Church led by town rector, the Reverend Roderick Withnell and the Rev David Prescott.

The service will be followed by a procession of this year’s fair queen, Chulmleigh Community College pupil Kayleigh Fewings, whose entourage includes attendants Lucy Govier, 8, and Ellie Pincombe, 9, chief herald Jamie Ward, 9, heralds Taylor Sheahan, 8, and Charles Suliauskas, 8, crown bearer Isabelle Suliauskas, 5, and flower girl Sophie Wren, 5.

This year’s old fair will be opened by Alden Gilson and the crowning duties will be performed by Patsy Whittaker.

The ancient ritual will be followed by the famous money scramble, children’s races along Fore Street and street entertainment.

Among the entertainment planned for Wednesday is a country craft market; sheep show; dog show; pavement art competition; vintage vehicles and classic cars; and a flower and produce show.

More events are planned throughout the week culminating in a fancy dress carnival, games and dancing in Fore Street on Saturday.

For a complete listing of all the events taking place, pick up a fair programme from local shops and tourist information centres.

See next week’s Gazette for a Chulmleigh Old Fair picture special.