800-year-old Petworth fair will not take place

Petworth fair has been taking place in the town for centuries on St Edmund’s Day, November 20. Latterly the event has been held on the closest weekend to the day.

But this year, the Petworth Society announced that the fair would not be taking place, which was greeted with upset and disappointment from residents.

Mike Mulcahy is chair of The Petworth Society and explained that there are two reasons behind the “difficult decision”.

He said: “It’s not happening for two reasons. November is a very busy month with bonfire night, the farmer’s market, the National Trust Christmas fair and the town council’s Christmas cracker.

“Secondly, it has become economically unviable. The fairground people validly say that with all the costs of closing the streets, health and safety and setting up the rides, they need money upfront. There is no way we can pay £5,000 up front.”

The fair has not required upfront payment previously and has historically been funded by a contribution from Lord Egremont of Petworth House and profit taken on the day.

The fair is filled with tradition (Image: Petworth Town Fair) It was long believed that the fair was chartered, and tables were set up in the square during Covid 19 to ensure the charter was not lost. Contrary to popular belief, the fair is not chartered and therefore can continue in the future despite not happening this year.

The society will hold a forum on November 16 to discuss the future of the fair with residents.

Mike said: “The people of Petworth have protested on Facebook but ultimately last year, there were three of us organising it. It needs commitment and volunteers.

"We have to close down the A272, so the traffic chaos is enormous, and we have to have traffic wardens. All the people complaining on Facebook can come along and give their opinion.

“It’s an event filled with tradition, and I feel like a bit of an ogre for suggesting it, but it’s time that we had a proper look at it.”