Hurstpierpoint St Lawrence Fair - 699 years old and still going strong
The climax of Hurstpierpoint St Lawrence Fair is on Saturday June 30th, the theme is, appropriately enough, “Diamond.” As always the Fair is a chance for the village to let its hair down.
Since the 14th Century the village has celebrated the Feast of St Lawrence when the fair was granted a Royal Charter by Edward II, next year it celebrates 700 years.
On Fair Saturday there the grand parade of floats and walkers will leave Marchants Road at 1 p.m. going through the High Street to South Avenue Recreation Ground for a spectacular afternoon of entertainment.
Harris’s Funfair, which has been a fixture at the Fair since the end of the 19th century will also be in its traditional spot on South Avenue for the week before.
Events around the Fair start on Tuesday 12th June with a “Whodunnit” shop window contest around the village, entry forms available from Mishon Mackay price 50p. There is also a “best dressed window” competition and the annual Pet Show, sponsored by Heath Veterinary Practice, will be held at the Scout Headquarters from 2 p.m. on Sunday 17th June.
A Teddy Bear’s Picnic will be held from 12.30 p.m. on Friday 29th June on South Avenue followed that evening by a Children’s Disco from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m and a Family BBQ from 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
After the procession arrives at South Avenue on Fair day there will be the judging of the floats and arena displays follow from Hurstpierpoint Gym Club, Top Hats and Tutus, a tug-of-war contest, a fun run will start and finish on South Avenue and finally, an unusual and challenging knock-out competition involving teams from the village.
Teams are still required for this so if you want to join in contact the Fair through the website at:
www.stlawrencefair.org.uk
On Sunday there is an ecumenical service on South Avenue at 10.30 a.m. and, for those who can’t get enough of the Fair, on Sunday 8th July there is a Family Treasure Hunt.
Full details of all fair events can be found in the programme which will be dropping through letterboxes any day.