Ancient 835-year-old fair AXED for the first time in history over ‘onerous’ health and safety rules
An ancient fair running since 1189 that survived World Wars and the Covid pandemic has been cancelled for the first time.
The St Edmund’s Day celebration has been held in Petworth, West Sussex, on November 20 since the 12th century.
Earlier this week, it was announced this year’s event will not take place amid concerns about funding and volunteering after just four people had to organise last year’s event.
Chair of both The Petworth Society and the fair’s organising committee Professor Mike Mulcahy, said costs had also rocketed and that Chichester District Council were now enforcing the need for public liability insurance.
Mulcahy, who has lived in the high street of the town since 1975, spoke fondly of the fair however added that issues include ride companies asking for upfront payments rather than relying on revenue from the day.
He told the Mail that only four people were on the St Edmunds Day Fair Organising Committee last year. He said: “For the people of Petworth – it’s their fair. They are quite jealous about losing it.”
While he said the group had received “quite a bit of flack” for their decision to axe the fair, he added: “I understand that, but unless people we will volunteer to do this, that, or the other, and take the weight off the organising committee.”
Mulcahy conceded the group needed a daunting £6,000-£7,000 to make the fair’s running feasible, saying: “I think the interest is there…I think it’s just down to expense. It has become very expensive for young families. A family with two children, with rides £4 or £5 each. Just before Christmas, it’s a hell of a lot of money.”
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Eleanor Mulcahy, Mike’s wife who runs the social media channel for the Petworth society, said on social media: “Perhaps the fair can survive in a different shape, after all, it began as a horse and sheep fair over 800 years ago and has slowly changed to become the event as we know it today.
“However, with that change has come greater responsibility for the organisers. Health and safety requirements are onerous and with less than a handful of volunteers it has become impossible to manage.
“There is no doubt that the fair is popular but without greater local support it cannot possibly continue. In order for it to continue in future years then we need Petworth residents to step up and get involved.”
Mike added: “We got used to the festival. People want things to stay the same, they don’t want change. And people are commenting online saying ‘I can remember coming on the carousel’. People were willing to do it back then but now people don’t want to.”
Claire Kite, threw her hat in the ring to help, saying: “It is clear that most Petworth people, especially those like me who grew up with the fair being a big event every year, are desperate for it to continue. If we want it to continue, we, the community who want it to continue, must become part of the team.
“We all have busy lives, but there is always time to spare to put to something so important. I really believe that if a town has an 800-year tradition, it is ludicrous to just let it slip away and pile time and money into new events. History is such a massive part of our town. Hopefully, all can work together and not just expect it to magically happen.”
Miles Costello said: “[The fair] can easily be restarted next year if enough people come forward to help. It really is as simple as that I’m afraid.”
The Petworth Society is holding a forum on November 16 at Leconfield Hall, where residents are being encouraged to drop in, make suggestions and volunteer to help next year.