A PACKED programme has been arranged for this year’s St John’s Fayre, which will take place in Witheridge from June 23 to 25.

During the afternoon of Friday, June 23 there will be a free Tea Dance in the Parish Hall from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Everyone is invited to get their dancing shoes on and join the fun.

On Saturday, June 24, Witheridge will be lined with food and craft stalls and the Grand Parade will march through at 11.15am.

Crediton Town Band will lead the way followed by vintage vehicles, motorbikes, majorettes, hawks, donkeys, ponies, hounds, entertainers, North Devon Pipes and Drums, the local pre-school and primary school children, a Penny Farthing bicycle and much more.

The 750-year-old Charter will be read, after which there will be entertainment for all ages.

New for this year is the Medieval Free Company, a Re-enactment Group. The theme is medieval, and they will take everyone back in time.

Everyone is invited to experience medieval life in a purpose-made village with interactive displays and demonstrations.

There will be plenty of entertainment for the children with Punch and Judy, and Captain Coconut.

There will be donkey cart rides, art competitions, maypoles, children’s races, optional egg throwing (for all ages!), a crockery smash, coconut shy, catch a rat and plenty more activities.

There will also be an amateur photo competition.

The popular dog show will be run by Liz Morris, and fabulous prizes have already been donated. All dogs are very welcome.

Funlands Fair, with their magnificent rides, will be at the Sports Club Car Park all weekend – a great place for the teenagers – and the young at heart.

Food stalls will be abundant and include hog roasts, local sausages and ice cream, or just enjoy tea and cake in the Parish Hall.

On Saturday evening, in the Beer Tent, at the Village Hall, there will be performances by "The Fabulous Beaver Brothers" and supported by Arc en Ciel. This will be a fun and free evening of music and dance.

The weekend ends with a brilliant Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Bake Off at 2pm on Sunday, June 25, in the Hub by the Village Hall.

Everyone should take along their favourite teddy, dressed in medieval costume, and a cake for the Witheridge Bake Off. There will be prizes galore.

There will be a children’s tea party with entertainment by Paul Zee and also cake and biscuit decorating – all for yet another fun-filled free afternoon.

Alan Quick