Generic Programme

of Events
Olde English Fayre Day (Saturday)
This list will be updated early in 2012 as events are planned and confirmed
10.50am
Guard of Honour & Proclamation
11.00am
Crowning of the Olde English Fayre Queen
followed by
The Floral Dance
around South Molton Square
1.00pm
Fayre Luncheon
3.00pm
Childrens Games
in the Pannier Market
7.30pm
Evening Concert
in the Assembly Rooms

Olde English Fayre Sunday
10.40am
Civic Parade
which includes the Mayors Parade from South Molton Square to the Parish Church
11.00am
Fayre Service
2.30pm
Beating the Bounds
A traditional walk for all around the boundaries of South Molton

The South Molton Olde English Fayre dates back to the 12th Century when Lord of the Manor Nicholas Fitz Martyn obtained a charter to hold a fair. Since that date, the Fayre has continued through the centuries being confirmed by Royal Charter in 1590 by Queen Elizabeth I that stated a Fayre can be held annually during the months of June and August. Charles II proclaimed a further Charter for the Fayre in 1684.

Today, the Fayre is held in mid-June with the primary activities taking place over the third weekend of the month. The Saturday sees the Market town of South Molton closed to traffic to allow festivities to be held throughout the day commencing mid morning when the Olde English Fayre Queen is crowned following a procession through the town. The Quenn, together with the Mayor of South Molton then leads the traditional Floral Dance around the Square during which many dignitaries from other towns across North Devon are also involved.

Throughout the main Fayre Day of Saturday, there are many activities planned to involve and entertain the whole family. These include an art & craft fair, the traditional Saturday Pannier Market, maypole dancing in the Square, fairground rides, childrens games, a formal luncheon in the historic Assembly Rooms and an evening concert to name just a few. The 2012 Olde English Fayre promises to be bigger and better than those held in previous years so please return to this website to be kept regularly updated as to what is being planned.

The Committee of the Olde English Fayre is always looking for great new ideas to help boost the event so please feel free to make any suggestions as to how to improve the event further. The Committee also welcomes the involvement of the wider community in putting on what is the main Summer attraction for the Town so if you'd like to get involved, simply email us by completing the form below.