Minchinhampton will be buzzing with activity on Saturday, September 13, as the historic country fayre returns from 12 noon to 5pm — a not-to-be-missed entry free celebration of community, heritage and good old-fashioned fun.
Dating back to a royal charter granted in 1269, the Minchinhampton Fayre continues the tradition of ancient seasonal festivals; a modern-day descendant of centuries-old fairs that once brought people together to trade, celebrate and connect.
This year’s Fayre will be held at The Great Park, with kind permission from the Committee of the Commoners, offering a spacious setting at the top of Bell Lane for an afternoon packed with entertainment for all ages.
The day kicks off at 11.45am with a spectacular vintage vehicle rally, featuring cars and motorbikes from the early 1900s to the present day, parading through the town and joining up with a traditional pageant at the Baptist Church. The procession will continue up the High Street to the sound of church bells, before arriving at The Great Park to open the celebrations.
What to Expect:
- Live music throughout the day
- A range of delicious food stalls with everything from a hog roast to Sir Lankan street food
- A bar selling a wide range of drinks plus a Woodchester Valley Vineyards sparkling wine garden
- Dog Show hosted by Pamper and Scamper
- Kids’ Zone with the Bubble Fairy, Punch & Judy by Mark Poulton (a sell-out Glastonbury hit!) and more
- Performances from the toe-tapping Dazzle Showgirls
- A special dance showcase by Katy Walton’s talented young performers
- Traditional Fun Fair, Mini Golf and a Climbing Wall
- A Glider Simulator, Walks with Hawks and a Tarot Card Reader
- Local traders and community stalls selling fabulous treats from home baked cakes to gorgeous jewellery and design goods
At 4.00pm, the much-loved Minch Moo race will once again delight crowds with its quirky competitive charm.
Car parking, kindly provided by Minchinhampton School on their field, is accessible via Cambridge Way.
Holy Trinity Church will host flower arranging demonstrations throughout the afternoon followed by a concert at 7.00pm — the perfect way to end a day of festivities.
As always, a proportion of the profits raised from the Fayre will be distributed among local charities, supporting Minchinhampton parish’s vibrant community.
Why The Great Park?
The site of this year’s Fayre, The Great Park, holds its own place in local history. Once a walled estate owned by Colonel Ricardo of Gatcombe in the late 1800s, it became part of the Minchinhampton Golf Club and later, in 1983, was sold to the National Trust along with the surrounding Common, who have kindly consented to this year Fayre. Its rich past makes it a fitting home for a celebration so deeply rooted in tradition.
Don’t miss this magical day in Minchinhampton’s calendar.
Bring your family, bring your friends and help make the 2025 Country Fayre a day to remember.
With enormous thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters; Henry’s, Murrays Estate Agents, The Crown, Witney Futures, M&B Stores, Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Willow & Oak, TSL Accounting and Minchinhampton Parish Council
