Great Torrington Mayfair celebrations 2023 - will you be there?

Great Torrington Mayfair returns tomorrow (Thursday) with a host of activities, maypole dancing, fancy dress the and even a Star Wars theme – May the 4th be with you.

Locals and visitors alike are expected to flock to the town square for the annual May celebrations, traditionally held on the first Thursday in May since Victorian times, with a history of revelry going back to the Middle Ages.

The Mayfair festivities tomorrow will be followed by the annual Round the Tree Race on Friday and a fancy dress Pavement Carnival on Saturday – unfortunately the usual full carnival was not possible due to costs but local volunteers have organised an alternative event.

Keeley Allin, speaking on behalf of the Mayfair committee, said: “We welcome everyone back to Great Torrington for our Mayfair celebrations and we hope everyone has the most fantastic day!

“We’ve got all the usual events as well as the fancy dress competition that has been brought back after many years - the theme being ‘May the 4th be with you’

“Also, if anyone wants to help and support us for future years, please to get in touch, we’d very much appreciate it.”

The revelries begin on Thursday in the square with a short open air service at 9.45am, followed by country and floral dancing form Great Torrington Bluecoat Primary pupils and entertainment from the Littleham Howlers and Torrington Cavaliers.

Wheelchair users are asked to be in the designated area of the square by 10am to ensure safe access. Local Road closures will be in place throughout the week at various times.

The Proclamation of the May Fair will be read out at noon, followed by the crowning of May Queen Caitlin Sanders.

The afternoon will see more entertainment from the Littleham Howlers, Streetz dance crew and the Cavaliers.

An eagerly-awaited Stars Wars fancy dress competition with the slogan ‘May the 4th be with you’ is being held at 4.30pm and open to all ages.

There is a grand draw at 4.30 too and the annual Torridge Cup Final will be played at the Vicarage Field at 7.30pm.

A Flower Festival is being held at St Michael and All Angels Church from Thursday through to Saturday, with the church open from 10am to 5pm each day, with refreshments available.

Fairground rides from Rowlands Amusements are at Barley Grove Car Park through Fair Week.

The annual Round the Tree race hosted by Torrington Amateur Athletics Club sets off from the square on Friday evening with a multi terrain route of 2.75 miles for seniors and 1.75 for juniors (minimum age 11 years).

There are prizes for the top five senior men/women and top three juniors. Registration is at 5.30pm in the Square and the junior race sets off at 6.45pm, with the ladies at 7pm and the men’s race at 7.30.

Entry for unaffiliated adults is £8, either on the day (cash only please) or enter online at www.torringtonaac.co.uk/round-the-tree

The Walking Pavement Carnival on Saturday has been organised by volunteers Daren Nudds and Chris Tat.

All are welcome to enter at the Torrington Arms between 4pm and 6pm, with the procession finishing at the Town Hall at around 7.30pm.

Families, groups or individuals are all urged to go along in the best fancy dress and join in the fun.

Keep up to date with everything going on at the Great Torrington Mayfair & Carnival Facebook page.