Bampton Charter Fair

27th - 27th October

Celebrating the granting of the Royal Charter in 1258, Bampton Charter Fair is a fun packed day for all the family. Bampton Charter Fair takes place on the last Thursday in October. This year: 27th October 2016.

Bampton Fair existed even before King Henry III granted it a Royal Charter in 1258 and it is always held on the last Thursday of October. It is one of the oldest surviving Charter Fairs in the country.

For centuries, the fair mainly sold sheep and cattle and was the largest sheep fair in the South West of England. During the 1880's to the 1980's it evolved to become the famous Bampton Pony Fair trading in Exmoor ponies.

Today this traditional Devon fair continues to attract local producers of foods and livestock, crafts and traditional skills from Exmoor and its surrounding villages. The streets, church, pubs and venues of Bampton are filled to over flowing with around 100 stalls, entertainments including craft and music workshops, demonstrations and concerts, and funfair.

Probably the most significant addition to the fair in recent years was the return of the famous pony sales which had ended in 1985. Luttrell Farm hosted a collective sale of horses, ponies, fur & feathers, saddlery and tack alongside farm machinery, tools, furniture and collectibles. Sadly this will not be happening in 2016 because the market for pony sales has disappeared, and Lutrell Fram is no longer available for the auction. However, we will have Exmoor ponies for people to come and see.

In addition to the usual fun of the fair we have some amazing live music from steel bands and folk to flamenco. Folk singers and musicians congregate in all the Pubs with local musicians being supported with visitors from Brittany and Ireland and the music continues all weekend.

Event type: Festivals

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