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Barnstaple Fair
Barnstaple Fair. The September Fair Opening 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 sites of the old South and West gates of the town.
Anciently 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.
In the earlier part of the 20th Century a Carnival was included in the Fair celebrations, and this tradition is still carried out today and takes place on the Saturday, the last day of the fair.
Visit Barnstaple in September and you can witness this ancient tradition, which now has a very modern twist!
A book on the history of Barnstaple Fair by Maureen Wood can be obtained from the Barnstaple Heritage Centre Gift Shop. Tel: 01271 373003
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