Volunteers from Rotary Crewkerne District are in the midst of plans for the 2018 Crewkerne Charter Fair.
Formerly known as St Bartholomew’s Street Fair, the Somerset-based club is hosting the event from September 7th and 8th.
Crewkerne Charter Fair is an annual event held on the first Friday and Saturday of September which consists of a street market and entertainment, including a funfair.
Crewkerne Charter Fair is more than just a fun fair. The very earliest fairs were street markets, and this proud tradition is still going strong today.
We have changed the name of the fair this year to bring it more up to date, but retaining its origins.”
The St Bartholomew’s Street Fair dates back to Saxon times and the traders’ market was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The fair is reputed to have been granted its charter by Henry III who reigned from 1207 to 1272. The earliest surviving court record was made in 1280, which can be found in the British Museum. And the funfair dates back to at least 1861.
Today, the Rotary club uses the fair as an opportunity to hold a two-day market, as well as co-ordinating events which run alongside the funfair.
Fair Organiser, Sandra Shore, said: “Surprisingly, we are now fully booked for market stalls, we have space for buskers and are happy to co-ordinate events with local organisations.
“We are hoping that this year will be better than ever for everybody. We have changed the name of the fair this year to bring it more up to date, but retaining its origins”.
Since assuming responsibility for the fair in 2012, Rotary Crewkerne District has grown the street market. They are making improvements to how the fair runs which includes improving traffic management ad diversifying the entertainment.
Rotary Crewkerne District was founded in September 2009 to provide an opportunity for fellowship and service for active community members within Crewkerne and the surrounding villages.
For more information visit the Crewkerne Fair website.
