All the fun of the fair!

Along with our Town Crier and Marshal Nichols, I opened the first Charter Fair in Buckingham last Saturday. As always the second fair is coming to town and setting up on Friday (20/10) and will be open on this coming Saturday.

As the Town Council website says "Buckingham’s first charter to hold the annual market/fair was given by Mary I in 1554 and the second charter was given by Charles II in 1658. The charter was only granted to the town to hold fairs on a Saturday and not any other day. [The] showman arrive on the Friday and leave early on Sunday morning for both fairs. Nichols Amusements run the fair and the Town Council organises the road closure and helps to bring the fair safely into town."

Marshal and many of the stall holders are members of the Showmen's Guild. More information here.

Julie and I enjoyed walking through the fair and meeting most of the stall holders who all seemed to be optimistic about the weather and therefore the fair. I had a go on a few stalls too! (My mum now has two halves of coconut hanging from her bird table although the birds seem mostly disinterested!)

So I hope the fair goes well this weekend too - and everyone has a great time!

Here's a pic borrowed from BWMTY (thank you Cheryl Ann Lott!)

And here is Robin's tweet with an acknowledgement that in the first hour each year, disadvantaged and vulnerable children get free rides care of Marshal and the fair stall holders. He also offers sandwiches and pop in the Three Cups. The spread was ravenously consumed this year by lots of children. (Link to the video here)