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Bradninch Town Fair 

In 1208, the charter of King John granted the burgesses of Bradninch a four-day Fair at the feast of St. Dionysisus.  The Fair was revived in 2021, and will hopefully returns in 2024.

 

The modern Bradninch Town Fair is a one-day, jam-packed celebration of our duchy town and its people.  First and foremost, it's about creating something that is community-led and accessible to everyone.  It's also a chance for local groups to promote their activities, sign up new members and raise some cash. The Fair programme and logistics are co-ordinated by a small volunteer Steering Group, but what actually happens on the day is up to everybody in town.

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We will keep you posted about the date of the 2024 Fair. 

Launching the Bradninch Produce Show 2023!

Arrangements for this year's Produce Show are super simple: there's no need to register your entries in advance, just drop them off on the Cricket Field between 8.30 and 10am on Fair Day.  There are seven categories, open to all ages:

  1. Homegrown Seasonal Fruit Display;

  2. Homegrown Seasonal Veg Display;

  3. Misshapen Item of Homegrown Fruit or Veg;

  4. Cake with a Fruity Ingredient (fresh or dried);

  5. Jar of Homemade Jam;

  6. Jar or Homemade Chutney;

  7. Bake with a Cheesy Ingredient;

  8. Flower Arrangement in any Medium (homegrown, painted, embroidered, Lego etc.!)

Ready, steady, Bolt!

Registrations for the 2023 Bradninch Bolt are now open!  Will you be the first to run, walk or shimmy round the course, from Bradninch Guildhall, up the Beacon and down to the Cricket Field for the big finish?!  All welcome to take part: click here to register!

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In the meantime, we'd be grateful for any donations towards the cost of running the event for the third time: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bradninch-bolt23

We're hoping to have lots of Sustainable Scarecrows around town for folk to admire over Fair weekend.  If you want to be part of the competition, you need to register (free) in advance, so we can find your Scarecrow!  Register at https://bit.ly/bradninch-scarecrows

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  • ​We'd love to see Scarecrows that tell us something about you, Bradninch or your life in Bradninch!  Perhaps a depiction of you, something you love doing or your favourite character; or an (in)famous Bradninch character; or a local club or group that you're part of.

  • The possibilities are endless: we just ask that you try to use recycled materials where possible.

  • Open to all: you could enter as an individual, a household or a local club.

  • When you register, tell us where we can find your Scarecrow, and let us know if you'd like to feature on a Scarecrow Trail over Fair weekend.

  • Scarecrows should be on display by 5pm on Thursday 14th September, and should stay up until at least the end of Sunday 17th September.  Judging will take place on the evening of 14th September.

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Happy making: we can't wait to see what you come up with!

Pitch Registration Open!

Would you like a Fair Day pitch or performance spot on the Cricket Field?  

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The Bradninch Bolt finishes on the Cricket Field around 11.15, with the official launch of the Fair at 12pm.  Between 11ish and 4, there's a Community Picnic with stalls, entertainment and a bar.  We want to showcase local clubs, organisations, artisans, performers and businesses, so whether you'd like to run a stall, showcase your musical or theatrical talents, or organise some sort of game or activity, we'd love to hear from you.  

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  • Pitches are free to Bradninch clubs and organisations, and to local artisans and makers wanting to showcase your wares.  If you make any money, we'd welcome a donation at the end of the day, to help us keep the Fair running as a not-for-profit community event.

  • We ask commercial businesses to contribute an up-front pitch fee of £10.

  • Performance spots are free, and we guarantee an audience!

  • We are able to provide a small number of tables and chairs: please let us know if you need some.  Bring your own gazebo/shelter in case of wet weather.

  • All pitch holders and performers are required to undertake their own risk assessment and must have the relevant insurance where necessary.

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To book your pitch or performance slot, email the Fair Steering Group.

Our Supporters

The Town Fair only happens because local people want it to do so: every single aspect of the day has a local person behind it!

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Getting involved with the Fair is a great way to meet new people and be a part of the community without excessive commitment.  If running a stall or activity isn't your thing, you could volunteer to help with setting up/taking down, with First Aid and with many other tasks that happen.  Do email the Fair Steering Group to find out more.

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The Steering Group is particularly grateful to a number of local groups for their ongoing support to enable the Fair to happen:

  • Bradninch Cricket Club and the Kensham Club

  • Bradninch Scout Group

  • Bradninch Together CIC

  • Bradninch Town Council

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If you or your business would be interested in supporting this community initiative in some way, we would love to hear from you.

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