Thousands of people are set to descend on the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor this week for the famous Widecombe Fair.
What started as a small cattle market, a sheep sale and an old folk story ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’ now draws people from across the world who want to enjoy a slice of the Devon tradition.
The event has somewhat grown from its humble beginnings as a small market, to becoming an annual celebration of country life, which raises money for charitable causes.
Held every year on the second Tuesday in September, the Fair provides a day packed with fun for all the family, featuring horse and livestock parades, gun-dog and birds of prey displays, vintage machinery, children’s entertainment, trade stalls, music, food and drink.
The Fair isn’t complete without Dartmoor’s ultimate Uncle Tom Cobley downhill race. The 1.3-mile race was first held in 1923 and sees colourfully dress competitors make their way to the finish line without using any roads.
This true showcase of rural Devon was first held in 1850 and is based on the county’s best known folk song which features Tom Cobley and his friends riding to Widecombe Fair on an old grey mare.
Widecombe Fair takes place on Tuesday 13th September. You can find out more, here.
