Starts 12.30pm to 5 pm
The “Raising of the Glove” at a traditional English village fair is a ceremonial way of formally opening the fair and asserting the right for it to be held—a mix of theatre, history, and a hint of medieval law. What it actually means: Historically, many fairs were only allowed to take place if they had a royal charter or long-established legal right. The raising of a glove symbolised: Authority — the fair is being opened under lawful right Challenge — anyone who disputes that right may step forward Protection — the organisers are declaring responsibility for order during the fair It’s essentially a public declaration: “This fair is now open—does anyone object?”
How it typically plays out, A designated figure (often a local dignitary, “lord of the manor,” or appointed official) raises a glove—traditionally white. A proclamation is read aloud. A pause follows where, in theory, objections could be made. No one objects (these days!), and the fair is declared open. Why a glove? In medieval symbolism, a glove was often used to: Represent pledges, authority, or challenge be “thrown down” as a sign of dispute (like a duel challenge) So raising it flips that idea inviting challenge but expecting none. In modern village fairs Today it’s largely: Ceremonial and good fun. The day will finish with the rafle at 5pm but just before at 4.30pm, now we have the space, Tug of War.... Children v Children, Adaults v Adaults and of course Children v Adaults.
Activities & Events
Timings
12.30 pm - Raising the Glove, 1pm - Fancy Dress, 1.30pm - Kids games, 2pm - Maypole Dancing, followed by Knobbly Knees, Andsome Ankles, 3pm - Tug of War, 3.30pm - ? , 4.30pm - Rafle and close.
Food and Drink
This year on the cricket pitch we will have local beers and ciders and as ever Pimms. Hot dogs and burgers produced locally as well as Pizza, and the famous traditional Swing Boats and Train, always very popular .
Tea Tent
We love a home baked cake at the fair, so join the ladies in the tea tent where you'll find cakes that all the locals have baked. Sit down for 5 minutes and enjoy you tea and cake while listening to some live music.
Agri Corner
Local farmers will be bringing some animals along for the day, pigs, sheep and a Devon Red. Some of the farmers are also going to dust down thier old tractors for you to look at. We will also have sheep sheering by the Kingsbridge Young Farmers.
Other Stalls
We will have all the normal stalls about the place for you to visit, NCI, Devon Wildlife, Plants, History society, Human fruit machine, Skittles and the childrens tent with games and with face painting. Of course we will also have the famous Swing Boats and Train ride with us as always.
Evening entertainment
The Pigs Nose Inn and Piglet Cafe are open throughout the day and there is also live music during the evening at the Pigs Nose.