Packhorse Fair 2008
Monday 26th May 10.00am - 5.00pm
Contact Lisa Pickering at packhorsefair@googlemail.com
Taking its name from the ancient Packhorse bridge across the river Brue, the Packhorse Fair is considered by many to be the highlight
of the Bruton Festival of Arts summer fortnight. Traditionally, it takes place on the last Bank Holiday of May.
Taking place in and around Lower Backway alongside the tranquil
River Brue the fair provides a range of entertainment.
Over the last four years we've hosted many interesting attractions;
a Raku potter, a traditional treadle driven wood lathe, Yurts, Farmer's
Market, Morris Men, drum workshop circus skills and more. Each year
we try and ring a few changes for both adults and children alike.
2004 saw the addition of live music on new the Packhorse Stage.
Situated under leafy trees alongside the river Brue it presented
a range of stiring music and became the focal point of many a visitors
day.
The fair also provides stall space for people to sell their wares.
We always like to get a mix of 'commercial' vendors for example,
produce at the Farmer's Market, a basket weaver, pottery and jewelry
stalls etc. and local people selling their own goods in a 'car boot'
manner.
We also encourage local special interest groups to run stalls or
exhibits. In past years Avalon Archaeology have exhibited finds
from recent excavations and survey results, Bruton Model club showed
us their exquisitely accurate model engines and Bruton Players our
local drama group have canvased for aspiring actors.
Of course Packhorse Fair goers march on their stomachs and so we
try to cater for all tastes when it comes provisions. From Hog Roast
to freshly made and baked pizza, from cakes to ploughman's lunches
we try to ensure that both carnivores and vegetarians need never
go hungry.
As a street fair we always need stall holders to sell their wares.
Arts and crafts stalls of all types are welcome and if you think
you have a skill that would add to the atmosphere of the day then
please contact us.