Charter Granted 1258
This year's fair will be on
31st October 2024
Bampton Charter Fair is looking forward to a bumper crop of stalls this year, with over a hundred booked in for this popular street fair. Celebrating its 766th year, the fair is an annual family favourite, and organisers are certain that there’s something for everyone! Anderton and Rowlands funfair opens on “Locals Night” on Wednesday 30th October, in Station Road Car Park, with local hostelries, including The Swan, open for business.
Raptors World
One of the highlights of this year's fair will be Raptors World!
They will be roaming around the fair and the Children's Zone at various parts of the day.
They will be looked after by Head Ranger Tom. He says "when I had the opportunity to keep a live Velociraptor, I couldn’t pass it up. The bond between us has grown so much so that she behaves most of the time for me and the other rangers. After her our dino herd just kept on growing. We go on many adventures together and are always looking for new people to meet!
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.
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!
