Yetminster Fair Association

Annual Yetminster Fair 

if you are interested in booking a stall email yetfairstalls@gmail.com

For all other Fair matters contact –  yetminsterfair@gmail.com

 

 

What is the Yetminster Fair?

The Yetminster Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Wessex and has been running almost continuously since the 13th Century under a charter granted in the 13th century by Simon de Ghent, Bishop of Salisbury, for a fair “to be held in his manor of Yetminster”.  

Traditionally held on Eve of St Andrews Day the charter also included the right to hold a market on Mondays in his manor so locals could sell their products, cattle and crafts. 

The format and date for the Fair has changed much over time. Originally Fair day was held on November 30th, St Andrew’s day, but by the nineteenth century a fair was held twice a year, in April and October. For many years the fair was located on Upbury Farm and boys from the village’s Boyle’s School, which was set up for local poor boys and endowed by Dorset scientist Robert Boyle, had the day off.   

People came from far and wide and until 1947 livestock sales were a big attraction at the fair. In 1896, to boost attendance, cheap rail tickets were issued and it was agreed that the 10.32 am Express train from Weymouth would stop at Yetminster so people could attend!  

In more recent times, The Yetties, one of the country’s best known folk groups, who hailed from Yetminster, attracted big crowds for their annual performance. 

Now Yetminster Fair is now held annually  on the Hamcrate Sports Field which is accessed from Sussex Farm Way DT9 6SZ

The YFA is non-profit making and all money raised is donated in the form of grant to local charities and societies at the Annual General meeting in November each year. 

To apply for a grant just contact the YFA at yetminsterfair@gmail.com before the end of October.

For general enquiries about the fair email yetminsterfair@gmail.com and if you are interested in booking a stall email yetfairstalls@gmail.com and if you are interested in booking a stall email yetfairstalls@gmail.com

The Fair Association also runs a lottery – please click here to be taken to the YFA Lottery page 

 

 

 

 

Last updated: 06/02/24 DIT