A day of fun merriment live music and street crafts in Tiverton town centre. In 1257 King Henry III granted a three-day Charter Fair to Tiverton to be held around the Feast of St James in July. This was a time of prosperity, country folk brought their wares to the market on foot and horse-back in pannier baskets. Street entertainers and musicians came to make a farthing or two playing to the crowd
s. Dancing bears excited the crowd and Tiverton taverns sold copious ale in jugs from barrels. The Tiverton Portas Company is planning to re-create the excitement of this Medieval Fayre, minus the dancing bears, but with an additional 21st century flair. This Medieval Fayre is being held for the first time this year with an aim to make this an annual event for Tiverton Town. So come and join the fun! We will have a traditional craft street market selling hand-made local goods with craft demonstrations. These include basket weavers, wood turners, and wool spinners. We also have some exciting interaction activities with archery, flaming swords, medieval costumes, games and traditional dancing. Adding to this will be street food and a local beer stall to add to the merriment. The Tiverton Pannier Market will be joining in with our celebrations by adding to their regular stalls on the Saturday and they will have their own food and beer festival on Sunday 20th July. During the day there will be music and dancing with the fabulous Beltane Border Morris group and other traditional musicians will roam through the streets to spice up the festivities. For the children we have punch and Judy shows, magicians, street games and craft activities. Local pubs and restaurants will have live music and competitions of their own to help Tiverton get a real flavour of bygone days. On the Saturday evening we will be holding a ticketed Medieval Banquet with a hog roast buffet, bar and lots of live music and medieval themed entertainment. Why not come into town to do your weekly shopping and make it a day out as well!
