Wickham Horse Fair 2022: Is it today, Where is it, full list of road closures, why is it always on May 20, full list of road closures, will pubs close and how long has it been going for?

THE Wickham Horse Fair is set to take place later today.
By Matthew Mohan-Hickson
Published 18th May 2022, 13:06 BST
Updated 20th May 2022, 08:29 BST
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It will take place on May 20, which is today.

The event, which will be attended by travellers from across the country, will take place in Wickham.

It was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19 and again in 2021, however crowds still attended last year.

Horse owners displaying their horses down The Square during Wickham Horse Fair. Picture: Habibur RahmanHorse owners displaying their horses down The Square during Wickham Horse Fair. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Horse owners displaying their horses down The Square during Wickham Horse Fair. Picture: Habibur Rahman

You can see our pictures from 12 months ago.

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Drivers reminded by police to allow extra time for journeys ahead of this year's...

Here’s all you need to know about Wickham Horse Fair 2022:

When will it take place?

The Wickham Horse Fair will take place on today.

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The event always takes place on May 20, which is two days from now.

Where will it take place?

It will take place in Wickham, a village near Fareham.

The market and fair mainly take place in the Square.

What roads will be closed

The A334 will be closed on Friday from the Shell Garage to the crossroads of Blind Lane/Titchfield Lane.

It will close at 5am and remain shut until 6pm.

The Square in Wickham will also be shut from noon yesterday until mid-morning on Saturday, at the latest.

Mayles Road will be shut at both ends on Friday, with access to residents from River Lane only.

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Police have warned people to allow extra time for journey’s over the coming days.

How long has it been running?

The horse fair has been taking place since 1269, which is almost 800 years ago.

Making it one of the oldest horse fairs in the country.

SEE ALSO: This is why the fair is always held on May 20

Why does it always take place on May 20?

The fair takes place on May 20 each year, except if it falls on a Sunday.

The Wickham Horse Fair traces its origins back to when Roger De Syres obtained a royal charter from King Henry III to have a weekly market in 1269.

Over the years this morphed into an annual fair.

Will pubs be closed?

Pubs in Wickham itself will be open on Friday.

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However a number of pubs in the area around Wickham will be closed, including:

- The Brickmakers, Swanmore – shut Thursday and Friday

- The Barleycorn Inn, Bishop’s Waltham – shut Thursday and Friday

- The Black Dog, Waltham Chase – shut Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

If you are a pub landlord and your establishment will be closed this week let us know by emailing [email protected]