WINKLEIGH’S much-loved annual Fair returns from today, Sunday, July 12, with a week of community events and celebrations beginning with the traditional opening ceremony today, Sunday, at 2.30pm in the Town Square.

The Winkleigh Fair is one of Devon's oldest surviving community traditions, with the village fair originally granted a Royal Charter in 1262.

Some of the members of the Winkleigh Fair committee. AQ 6657
Some of the members of the Winkleigh Fair committee last year. AQ 6657 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

More than seven centuries later, the Fair continues to bring together residents and visitors alike to celebrate the rich heritage and community spirit of Winkleigh.

The Fair officially begins today with the ringing of the church bells, music from Hatherleigh Band, and the traditional procession led by the piper through the square.

Visitors can also enjoy the Blessing of the Well, the crowning of the Winkleigh Fair King and Queen, presentation of poster competition winners, a Fancy Dress Competition with prizes, and the ever-popular Ball Rolling Competition, also with prizes.

At last year’s Winkleigh Fair Dog Show. Photo: Brynn Embley
At last year’s Winkleigh Fair Dog Show. Photo: Brynn Embley (Brynn Embley)

The rest of the week is as follows:

Monday, July 13 – Dog Show (6pm), Featuring dog show classes and judging, prize presentations, refreshments and a raffle.

Tuesday, July 14 – Bingo Night (7.30pm, doors open 6.45pm), Featuring bingo games and prizes.

Wednesday, July 15 – Vehicle Show (5.30pm), Featuring vehicle displays, awards presentations, refreshments, a BBQ, ice cream and a raffle.

Thursday, July 16 – Rounders Evening (time to be confirmed), Featuring community rounders, refreshments and a raffle.

Friday, July 17 – Quiz Night (7.30pm), Featuring the village quiz, refreshments, cheese boards and a raffle.

Saturday, July 18 – Fair Day (2pm onwards), Featuring live music throughout the afternoon and evening, children's entertainment, a children's disco, inflatables, food stalls, ice cream, waffles, tug of war, the Winkleigh in Bloom awards and the grand raffle draw.

Winkleigh Methodist Church offered cream teas and drinks on the opening day of the Fair. AQ 6678
Winkleigh Methodist Church offered cream teas and drinks on the opening day of the Fair last year. AQ 6678 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

This year's Grand Raffle includes an excellent selection of prizes generously donated by local businesses and supporters, including:

£125 cash prize sponsored by Clayton Cabinets, £100 cash prize sponsored by Open Book, £75 cash prize sponsored by South West Fixings, A membership from Mark's Gym, A treatment voucher from Mid-Devon Sports Massage, A family photography session from Brynn Embley Photography.

Raffle tickets will be available throughout Fair Week, with the Grand Draw taking place during Fair Day celebrations.

Organisers are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors from across Devon to enjoy another memorable week of events celebrating one of the county's oldest and most cherished village traditions.