Colyford Goose Fayre, Colyford, Colyton, Devon
Colyford Goose Fayre in the little village of Colyford near Seaton, was first held in 1207 when The Lord of the Manor obtained a grant from King John to hold a 7 day fayre at Michaelmas. The tradition was revived by one of the villagers in 1980 and has continued ever since, held on the closest Saturday to Michaelmas Day (September 29th). 7 days would be a bit too much these days so the Fayre just runs for 1 day, held in a field on the edge of the village.
The day starts with a colourful procession of people dressed in medieval costume following the Mayor of Colyford and his Lady to the Fayre Ground; along the way there is much merriment in the form of Mummers and Medieval music, and the theme is continued at the field, with traders selling their wares from tents – honey, pottery, leatherworks, ram roast and tea and cakes. You can see some of the crafts and skills of the period, like metalwork, thatching and bodging (a type of woodturning using green wood to make chair legs); test your target skills at archery and see how long you can stay on the greasy pole, all jolly good fun, with wandering minstrels and dancers, a Mummers play, and then… then, the Auction of Geese! Actually, it’s a pretend auction these days, as let’s be honest about it, how many people really want a live goose?
Anyway, Colyford Goose Fayre is a fantastic East Devon event; if you’re staying at Stonehayes Farm on your holiday in the UK and this appeals, don’t hesitate. Go along and join in the fun, there’s nothing else quite like it.
All information correct at the time of writing