Barnstaple Fair
Fair Proclamation Ceremony
Wednesday 19th September 2012,
11.00am - 12 noon,
The Guildhall, Barnstaple.
Barnstaple Fair at Seven Brethren,
Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd September 2012.
Barnstaple Fair 2011
The Proclamation Ceremony of the Opening of Barnstaple Fair 2011 took place on Wednesday the 14th September in the Guildhall’s main chamber.
The guest speakers were Mr Brian Macbeth, Former Teacher & Researcher, who proposed the toast “Barnstaple Fair”, with response by Ms Claire May, Headteacher of Pathfield School.
Mr D Tanner, Editor of the North Devon Gazette, proposed the toast “The prosperity of Barnstaple”, with Mr P Elder, General Manager of Barum Gate Table Table & Premier Inn, responding.
Supt K Harris, Local Policing Area Commander, responded to the Mayor, Councillor Ian Roome’s toast “Our Guests”.
Among the Invited guests in the audience were a delegation from Barnstaple’s twin town of Susa, Italy, included their Mayor Gemma Amprino.
Following the ceremony the civic procession made its way from the Guildhall, where outside the proclamation was read by the Town Clerk, and repeated again at the sites of the old South and West gates of the town.
The Fair Luncheon was held at the Barnstaple Hotel, Braunton Road.
The Mayor, Councillors and guests then made their way to the fairground at Seven Brethren where they enjoyed the rides and the hospitality of the Showmen’s Guild.
Photos of the Mayor's tour of the Pannier Market before the Ceremony
Photos of the Ceremony and the Guests at the Fair
The Guildhall Flower Displays
For the Fair Proclamation Ceremony by the Barnstaple Floral Art Club.
Special Fair
On the morning of Thursday 15th September the Fair was opened for a special occasion. With help from the Showmen’s Guild children and adults with physical and learning disabilities were invited to attend all the fun of the fair. This annual event, now in its 10th year and organised by the Town Council is very popular, and over 100 adults, children and carers attended. All had the opportunity to experience the thrills of the rides and everyone was given a toy by the Showmen’s Guild as a memento of the day. The Town Council is grateful to the Showmen’s Guild for their generosity and time.
Barnstaple Fair
The September Fair Proclamation Ceremony is the major civic event of the year in Barnstaple.
Although its origins are lost in antiquity, they are said to be as old as the town itself.
The ancient Proclamation Ceremony takes place on the Wednesday preceding the 20th September in the Guildhall, where civic guests, dignitaries and invited members of the public are guests of the Mayor and the Town Council for this special occasion.
During the ceremony a large white glove, decorated with flowers and ribbons, is suspended over the street from the top window of the Guildhall. It symbolises the open hand of friendship to welcome those who wish to trade at the fair, and the many thousands attending it.
At noon a civic procession makes its way from the Guildhall. Outside a proclamation is read by the Town Clerk, and repeated again at the site of the old South Gate (by the Royal and Fortescue Hotel) and the old West Gate of the town (outside the Heritage Centre).
In past times the Fair lasted for a week, or for as many days as the Mayor would allow! It would have included a Cattle & Sheep Fair and a Horse Fair, with the remaining days given over to the Pleasure Fair. Nowadays it runs for four days, Wednesday - Saturday, with the entire time devoted to the rides, stalls and amusements organised by the Showmen's Guild.
Visit Barnstaple in September and you can witness this ancient tradition, which now has a very modern twist!
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Us Be Goin' to Barnstaple Fair |
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