Celebrating 900 years of Hereford's Mayfair

Celebrating 900 years of Hereford's Mayfair with Sunshine Radio's Mark Edwards

This year is Hereford Mayfair’s 900th year of performance. The fair is the oldest in Britain. We sent Sunshine Radio's Mark Edwards to the Hereford Museum and Library to find out more:

The event has been thriving since the 12th Century, with the momentous marvel beginning in 1121 for three days at the feast of Ethelbert the Martyr. It is thought the charter of Henry I to Richard de Capella, bishop of Hereford may have been confirmation of a far older May Fair dating from before the Norman Conquest. Whether you prefer to whizz on the Waltzer or stick to the timid teacups, the Hereford May fair is a spectacular event that accommodates the young and old.

The candy floss and cinnamon donuts give a sweet scent of nostalgia, along with the fluorescent floating ducks waiting to be hooked. If you would be interested in viewing some May Fair memorabilia and learning more about the history, stop by at the Hereford Museum and Library. The exhibition is open NOW and ending on the 23rd of June. The gallery is also displayed online with a 360-degree view, lots of information and all the video clips that are shown in the Museum. To find the virtual exhibition, search ‘Herefordshire Life Through A Lens’ online.