The fair is coming to town!

Southwold is a town with a fascinating history and tradition and one of those traditions is the celebration of the town’s independence.

In 1489 King Henry VII granted Southwold a charter, releasing it from legal obligations to the Crown. This charter enabled the town to own property and to hold two weekly markets and two annual fairs – Trinity and Bartholomew.

The town’s markets are still going strong to this day, so too are the fairs, in fact this year the fun fair arrives on 28th May and will open to the public from midday.

The fair sets up on South Green, adjacent to the Red Lion pub and just down the hill from Gun Hill. With all the usual rides, games and food stalls it’s fun for all the family.

Part of the tradition of the fair is that the town Charter is read aloud by the town crier and is joined by the Mayor and Councillors.