Pictures: Torrington Mayfair brings the crowds and defies the weather

A little ‘bracing dampness’ didn’t deter the crowds who turned out for the annual crowning of the May Queen and plenty of festivities as Great Torrington Mayfair 2024 got into full swing yesterday (Thursday).

The showcase day of Mayfair week saw the revelry under way in the town Square in the morning, with English and country dancing from local schoolchildren, followed by the Littleham Howlers and then more howling at the antics of the annual Torrington Cavaliers comedy and music performance.

Above: Maypole dancing in Torrington Square. Credit: John Insull

At noon the Proclamation of May fair was read out – continuing a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages – before the crowning of the May Queen.

This year’s May Queen is Effie Hill, who was crowned by Mickayla Roberts, with heralds Rupert Thorne and Tyler Batty, while the May Prince (and Standard Bearer) was Alfie Rollins.

Attendants were Ruby Bristow and Rita Coysh, Honey Little and Tula Parkhouse, Ezri Bott and Ariyah-Jane Dodge plus Millie Barrow and Sophie Pett.

Above: Merriment and mayhem from Torrington Cavaliers. Credit: John Insull

The fun continues this evening with the popular Around the Tree Race, setting off from the Square from 6.45pm and organised by Torrington Amateur Athletic Club.

Tomorrow (Saturday), things are a little different this year, with a Fancy Dress Music Festival hosted in the town centre throughout the afternoon and evening, starting at 2pm and featuring a huge range of local singers and musicians, with Big Al and the Wild Strawberries bringing the house down at 9pm.

In lieu of a carnival, there will be a Fancy Dress Parade at 6.30pm, setting off from the entrance to the Pannier Market at 6.30pm.

All are welcome, but entry to the Fancy Dress Music Festival is only by obtaining a postcard from one of the shops, pubs and venues around the town, or on the day.

Keeley Allin, who has helped to organise the event, said on behalf of the Mayfair and Carnival Committee: “It was such a wonderful day. Hats off to the children in the morning who braved the awful weather, but we were so pleased when it cleared in time for the May Queen and her entourage to enter the square.

“Our thanks go to all the volunteers who help to make the event and success and a calling goes to those who wish to see Mayfair continue. We desperately need volunteers to keep the tradition going for next year and anyone wanting to help can contact us on our Great Torrington Mayfair & Carnival Facebook page.”

Click on our gallery above for more pictures courtesy of John Insull. A selection of pictures are available to download from £3 at johninpix.picfair.com. 

*** Stay up to date with all the latest Torrington Mayfair news and events, plus Saturday’s music line-up and much more on the Great Torrington Mayfair & Carnival Facebook page.