Bampton Fair existed even before King Henry III granted it a Royal Charter in 1258 and it is always held on the last Thursday of October. It is one of the oldest surviving Charter Fairs in the country.

For centuries, the fair mainly sold sheep and cattle and was the largest sheep fair in the South West of England. During the 1880's to the 1980's it evolved to become the famous Bampton Pony Fair trading in Exmoor ponies.

Today this traditional Devon fair continues to attract local producers of foods and livestock, crafts and traditional skills from Exmoor and its surrounding villages.

The streets, church, pubs and venues of Bampton are filled to over flowing with around 100 stalls, entertainments including craft and music workshops, demonstrations and concerts, and funfair.

Archive photographs, film, songs, music and oral memories of the rich traditions and heritage of the fair itself have been compiled into a commemorative DVD and will be shown throughout Fair Day.

Probably the most significant addition to the fair in recent years is the return of the famous pony sales which had ended in 1985. Luttrell Farm hosts a collective sale of horses, ponies, fur and feathers, saddlery and tack alongside farm machinery, tools, furniture and collectibles.

In addition to the usual fun of the fair we have some amazing live music from steel bands to, folk to flamenco. Folk singers and musicians congregate in all the Pubs with local musicians being supported with visitors from Brittany and Ireland and the music continues all weekend.

Admission free, parking is £5 per ticket.

Further details at www.bamptoncharterfair.org.uk