Dalwood Country Fair - a village traditional going back 677 years!

Incredibly, the Dalwood Country Fair is now in its 677th year. This traditional country-style fair is held annually in the pretty village of Dalwood, in the heart of the rolling Blackdown Hills. 

The fair has been an important part of village life since 1345, with the right to hold a fair given to William de Chantmerle, tenant of the Royal Manor of Dalwood, by King Edward III. A copy of the charter hangs in St Peter's Church in the village.

Dalwood is a vibrant community which has only cancelled the fair in recent years due to the COVID pandemic. The last fair was in 2019 and organisers hope 2022 will welcome many visitors on Saturday, August 20.

The fair is organised by volunteers and is self-funded by local fundraising events throughout the year.

There will be games galore, lots of delicious food and drink, live music, plenty of local craft stalls and, for 2022, the fair will be celebrating local life with a special demonstration area showcasing traditional country crafts, such as basket weaving, spinning, thatching, rope making, and floristry demos.

Organisers are also giving guests time to show off those new skills learned in lockdown (or maybe they are a seasoned pro) by entering one of the competitions in the craft and produce tent – something for all ages. You can download one of the entry forms at dalwoodparish.co.uk/dalwood-country-fair or pick one up from the village shop. Entries will also be accepted on the day.

Children can enter the fancy dress competition, with this year's theme being 'A Right Royal Occasion' to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year, with the fancy dress parade starting at 1.30pm.

All fair funds are distributed to local charities and organisations, alongside nominated external charities each year.

Whether it's welly whanging, bouncy castles, learning more about thatching or floristry, or even just enjoying a cream tea in the rolling Devon countryside – there really is something for all the family at this traditional village fair!

Just a few of the exciting attractions for 2022 will include a grand draw, tombola, cow splottery, human fruit machine, coconut shy, craft and produce tent, hoopla, bouncy castles, assault course, ferret racing, floristry, a bar, barbecue, craft stalls, ice cream, cakes, plants, tea tent and much more!