AFTER a two year hiatus due to Covid, the world famous Widecombe Fair is back – bigger and better than ever promise organisers.
Widecombe Fair has been running every year since 1850 and aside from the last two years has only ever not run during the two World Wars.
It is well known as the subject of the folk song ‘Widecombe Fair’ featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends.
The beautiful village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor lies between green fields and high, moorland hills in a sheltered valley on the East side of Dartmoor.
Run entirely by volunteers this year, the fair is raising money for Widecombe-in-the-Moor Primary School which celebrates its 90th year.
The line up for this year is another variety of traditional attractions and those that are a bit ‘different’!
This year’s main event will be a spectacular show of heavy horses.
A full day of ring events, featuring cattle, sheep, horse and dog shows, the ever popular terrier race and vintage farm machinery, will run from 9.30 am until 7pm.
There aren’t just spectator events. For those of an athletic disposition, the Uncle Tom Cobley Downhill Race is a real talking point.
Also, for those into extreme sports, there’s the Bale Tossing, followed by the Tug O’ War, all to the soundtrack of some great folk music playing all day long.
As always at the Fair, if you keep your eyes peeled you might spot Uncle Tom Cobley (hopefully) on his grey mare, and merry (very) entourage, lending a hand about the field. If you’re lucky you may even get your photo taken with him!
Going on throughout the day visitors can call by at the sheep and cattle pens, as well as the vintage machinery, or take a look around the local handicraft and produce tent and admire the best of what the residents of Widecombe (and beyond) have come up with as part of their yearly attempts to out-bake (or grow) each other!
There’s always plenty to eat (and plenty of variety) at the fair. In the village there’s The Rugglestone, The Old Inn, and The Cafe on the Green serving up delicious fare, and in the field there’ll be a great range of local food producers from all over Devon, offering everything from hog roast to Thai cuisine.
Subject to the latest Covid-19 regulations, 2022’s fair will take place on Tuesday, September 13, at Widecombe Village Green and Fair Field, from 9am until late.
Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome! Entry is £10 per person payable at the gate, or just £8 if bought in advance. Children under 16 go free!
For advance tickets, a full schedule of events, exhibitors and competitor information: visit;
www.widecombefair.com