Barnstaple prepares for historic fair and carnival celebrations

As we bid farewell to summer and welcome the arrival of autumnal days, it’s an opportunity to reflect, to thank everyone for their continued support and to look forward to events ahead in our community.

I have been invited to attend a number of excellent events during the summer, too many to mention individually, but among the highlights were attending the Young Devon opening of the Youth Enquiry Service (YES) in Bridge Chambers on the Square, and taking part in the remembrance service for VJ day on August 15, where I had the opportunity to lay a wreath.

It was also a real pleasure to take part in the opening ceremony of the Barnstaple Railfest exhibition, at our local station, marking the 170th anniversary of the opening of the Barnstaple to Exeter line.

In July, I joined in the procession through the town to Pilton, for the Green Man Festival. The weather was most unkind, as it rained for much of the day, but it was still a very successful and enjoyable community event.

At the end of last month, I was invited to open the newly revamped Sensory Garden at Welland House in Pilton, which is a respite centre for young people with complex health, physical or behavioural needs. Luckily on that occasion the sun shone, and it was a privilege to meet the dedicated staff along with some of the young people and their families, who will hopefully be able to enjoy this impressive garden.

With September now here, we are on the verge of welcoming the Fair back to Barnstaple, a tradition enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. There are references to Barnstaple Fair back in the thirteenth century, under the reign of King Edward 1, but even before that King Athelstan is said to have given a charter to the borough allowing it to hold ‘a market and a fair’.

Whatever its origins, Barnstaple Fair is one of the few great fairs of history that continues to this day. Each year we celebrate it with a Proclamation Ceremony at the Guildhall, where a historic decree is read, allowing the festivities to commence.  A glove is extended from the Guildhall window, representing ‘a hand of friendship’ and welcoming council members and guests.

In accordance with tradition, a decree is then read out by the Town Clerk, who leads a procession through the streets of Barnstaple, pausing at various historic points along the way.

This year, some of the proclamation service is being live streamed into the pannier market, to allow members of the public to enjoy this historic event. There will also be an opportunity for them to sample some of the ‘fairings’, another tradition, where sweets are handed out. Later in the day, we will go to the Fair on Seven Brethren Bank.

Having been brought up in Barnstaple, my earliest memory of going to the Fair is when it was held along Castle Street and North Walk. I can still recall the feeling of anticipation and excitement when the fair came to town, along with the thrill of the rides and fun of the stalls.

Back then there was the additional attraction of bargain hunting, with fairground stall holders selling various household goods such as kitchenware, tools and textiles. These stalls attracted large crowds, who seemed to enjoy the banter and the barter of the sellers as they offered their deals. It was very much a reflection of how Fair initially started many years ago, and though not part of the present day set up, there is still a wonderful atmosphere and much for locals and visitors to enjoy.  

I am also delighted that this year we will be able to enjoy the Carnival once again, which takes place on Saturday 21. It is thanks to a lot of hard work by a group of volunteers who have been organising what promises to be a fun-filled family day. I very much hope that Carnival will grow and be back as a regular part of our calendar.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed for some pleasant late summer weather, which always adds to the experience. Our town has plenty to rejoice in these coming days, with a splendid celebration of our history and tradition, which I hope all will enjoy.