Wickham Horse Fair 2018: One day to go

AN EQUINE spectacle with royal origins will return for its 749th year tomorrow.
A parade from a previous outing of the Wickham Horse Fair. Picture: Keith WoodlandA parade from a previous outing of the Wickham Horse Fair. Picture: Keith Woodland
A parade from a previous outing of the Wickham Horse Fair. Picture: Keith Woodland

Hundreds are set to take to the village streets for the 2018 Wickham Horse Fair on Monday.

Dubbed the oldest and biggest fair in the country, the yearly fixture attracts scores of spectators and participants from the traveller community – who unite to parade and sell horses.

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The event will see the centre of Wickham closed off as the animals are showcased in a specially-created run.

Residents are given permits access some of these areas and nearby pubs tend to close for two days as the fair goes ahead.

Originating from a royal decree penned in 1269, the fair – which has never missed a year – takes place every May 20,

except when the date falls on a Sunday, and instead rolls over to May 21.

It is regarded to be one of just two major horse-trading events in the country.

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