Dalwood Fair organisers keeping fingers crossed for 2021 event

As restrictions begin to ease and the future starts to look brighter, an East Devon village is intending to go ahead this year with its long-standing summer fair, dating back hundreds of years.

Dalwood Country Fair Committee members have their fingers well and truly crossed as they work towards holding the event this August, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

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.

Plans are afoot for the country fair to be held on Saturday, August 21 with the theme 'celebrating local life', concentrating on more traditional events and shows.

Organisers are currently looking for local crafts people to give demonstrations of country craft skills and for those who wish to display and sell hand-crafted items.  

There will also be the usual range of games and sideshows, freshly cooked food and cakes, a produce tent, a raffle, and the fancy dress competition — this year in the spirit of Lockdown Heroes where children can dress up as NHS workers, delivery drivers, and other essential workers and volunteers, with a parade and judging to be held.

Fair secretary Shelagh Fearnley said: "Provided all restrictions have been lifted by then and we can go ahead safely, it should be a wonderful day out for everyone."

For more information, please contact Shelagh on [email protected]