This year's fair will be on
29th October 2026

Newton Square becomes a circus top!

We are pleased to announce that at this year's Bampton Charter fair, Newton Square will be transformed into a circus top, where you will be able to have a go at all sorts of activities!

Higher Beings, based in Devon will be hosting workshops that will include tightropes, slacklines and diabolos! There will also be a stilt walking display and the highlight of the show will be a fire-eating performance as the sun sets just before the fireworks get underway!

To find out more about what you can expect, please click here.

Music stage named after Doug Parish

This year's music stage will be dedicated to Doug Parish who sadly passed away this year. Doug has played an instrumental part of programming the music stage over the last few years alongside Ed Tanner, bringing great musical acts to the Fair and helping making them sound great on the PA system. Dougie, who lived in Bampton, passed away peacefully at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, after a short illness, aged 79 years. He was the loving husband of Marjory, devoted father of Caroline and proud grandfather. Doug was a very talented musician in his own right and had an amazing singing voice, appearing in many bands across the Devon area. He had a love of country music and was a great broadcaster, presenting many radio shows showcasing his expert knowlege over the years. You can hear his final show alongside Marjory on 10Radio based in Wiveliscombe here. He was also a member of the Bampton Fair committee and is much missed by us all.

2025 - What a year!

The 2025 Bampton Charter Fair was bigger and better than ever, with a great range of stalls on offer. The main stage proved a big hit with some great acts playing later into the evening.

There was a fire eater who lit up Newton Square and a silent disco enjoyed by all in the Children’s Zone, raising money for the Bampton School PTFA.

But perhaps the most popular attraction were the fireworks from the Motte & Bailey which illuminated the sky for all to see.

The Best of 2024

Raptors World was one of the highlights of the 2024 fair, roaming the streets and making an appearance in the Children's Zone.

Also Chloe Marie Aston was a big hit too moving around and entertaining the crowds on her "Piano Bike"!.

At one point they even performed together which you can see here!

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Highlights of 2023

Titan the Robot wowed crowds at the Bampton Charter Fair 2023. The robot, who gained national fame of Britain’s Got Talent, amongst other appearances across the globe, was one of the stars at the fair.

As well as Titan, other entertainers included the Bottletop Boogie Band, Duo Tonic, the Lucy Lastic Band and Fox Willow Harmony and a range of street entertainers including the Bampton Players and their Mummer’s Play.

Elsewhere, dozens of stalls filled the streets and church with food, drink and crafts.

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Gallery

See the highlights from our previous Charter Fairs ..

See the Gallery

History of the Fair

King Henry III may not have anticipated that over 760 years after he granted the Fair at Bampton his Royal Charter, it would still be going strong and giving enjoyment to many thousands of people every year.

We may no longer have the sales of livestock and ponies, but the last Thursday in October still provides a lot of retail therapy as well as being a social event and a great day out. With the roads being closed, the fun-fair arriving, the streets being filled with market stalls, the church hosting the craft fair, and tents by the riverside providing space for local produce and traditional skills, the whole atmosphere of the town is transformed.

Add to that the arrival of musicians and street entertainers, we have all the ingredients for putting a smile on visitors’ faces. We hope you have a fantastic day with us in Bampton!

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