Saddle up for horse fair with 800 years of history

Horncastle Horse Fair will take place around the town centre

Residents are being encouraged to saddle up for an annual horse fair that was once among the world's largest, according to organisers.

The Horncastle Horse Fair dates back to 1229 and was revived in 2023 after a 75-year absence.

It will be staged from 7 to 9 August at venues including Horncastle Community Centre, St Mary's Church and Banovallum House, which is home to Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

Jo Dobbs, who is behind the planning of the festival, said it was a way of "celebrating heritage" in a "quirky family fun way".

Visitors will be able to enjoy market stalls, live music in a walled garden, dance performances and a comedy gymkhana.

Films will be screened, there will be creative activities and Bomber the shire horse will be making an appearance.

Shire horse Bomber will be making an appearance at this year's fair

According to the Horncastle History and Heritage Society, the fair reached its height in the 19th century, when it was attended by dealers from around the globe, including France, Germany, Italy and the United States.

Among the most famous horses purchased there was Lottery, the Grand National winner in 1839.

The introduction of motor vehicles led to the decline of the festival and the last was held in 1948 – until the recent revival.

Bruce Knight, who has helped organise the fair, said he hoped the new annual summer event would attract visitors "from near and fair, just as the original event once did".

The festival has been organised by Session Arts, the history society, the town council and local volunteers.

It is funded by Arts Council England and East Lindsey District Council.

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