The annual Fair takes place on the third weekend in June. Traditionally it incorporates a Flower Festival in the church as well as all the usual stalls and sideshows. The road outside the village hall is closed for the afternoon to allow stalls to be set up, with delicious cream teas served in the village hall itself.

The Fair was originally founded in 1257 and was held in October around St. Luke’s Day. It was held on the common – hence the name Fair Place – and was very well known locally with hazel nuts being a much sought after commodity. It was because of the Fair that Punky Night came in to being as the story goes that men from Hinton St.George came over to the fair and ‘made merry’. Their wives set out to look for them and made mangold lanterns to light their way. The men saw the lighted faces and were terrified and ran home. A Punky Night continues to be held in Chiselborough at the end of October when children make mangold lanterns and prizes are awarded for the best ones.

—Hilary Venn

JUNE 2024 FAIR - A THANK YOU

Chiselborough Fair and flower festival is grateful;

To those who arranged flowers in beautiful ways,

To gazebo erectors on warm sunny days.

To the one who made the hall look colourful and bright,

To the managers of “ Hodge’s Baa “ for the night.

To those who contributed to the fab silent auction,

And to the one which created the amazing cocktail concoction.

To our resident artist who drew all day long,

And Minor Mayhem who entertained, with sticks and a song.

To the ladies who made the most delicious chilli and salad,

And Tipsy Swing for music and a lovely ballad.

To blanket makers and doll crocheters,

To Cool Tones for all being fantastic players!

To the creator of the treasure trail and the gift of a book,

To the art table maker in a cosy nook.

For the gift of circus games for children to play

To the one whose garden was a golf course for the day.

To hands that did dishes and even cleaned the loo!

We are so grateful for each one of you.

To the wonderful silent action team,

To those who prepared and made the village gleam.

To those who ran stalls, won bottles and hooked a duck,

And those who made mugs to be won with some luck.

To inquisitive Geocachers and ladder beanbag throwers,

To the Ark at Egwood and to healthy plant growers.

To the pub for the use of their beautiful space,

To the burger and hot dog chefs who kept up with the pace!

Thanks to God for making the sun shine,

Ensuring that we all had a brilliant time.

We may have forgotten some but if so please know ,

We appreciate you all very much …. And so …..

Thank you all for coming and sharing in the fun,

For spending your money and enjoying the sun.

Lastly to the makers of cakes and scones galore ,

Will you please be around next year to make some more?!

Thank so much for all your support over the weekend. The Village Hall, the Church and the pub are all so grateful for your generosity and willingness to come and be involved in our Fair and Flower Festival.

—Sarah Barnard

To see a gallery of photos of the 2024 Fair & Flower Festival, click here