The historic East Ilsley Sheep Fair is back after five years.
It returns on Sunday, June 9, between 12noon and 5pm on the Millennium Green and organisers promise a day packed with fun, tradition, and community spirit.
Festivities kick off on the Friday night with a pre-fair dance from 6-11 pm, featuring local band Mash and DJ Sam. Enjoy local beers, drinks, and pizza to purchase; entry tickets are £10 for adults and £3 for children over 5.
Sunday’s main event offers something for everyone: craft, produce, and tea tents, raffles, tombolas, and the famous Baa serving local beers and beverages. Visitors can enter the dog show, join family races, and explore numerous stalls and activities. There will also be a barbecue, Greek street food, and of course an ice cream van.
Highlights include Ray Prior Falconry showcasing his amazing birds of prey and live sheep shearing demonstrations and the fair begins with a performance by The Ilsleys Primary School choir.
Entry is free, but donations are appreciated and will be match-funded by Greenham Trust. All profits support local village charities and non-profit groups such as the Ilsleys Primary School and Stay & Play, St Mary’s Church, Local History Society and the Millennium Green Trust.
The event marks the East Ilsley Sheep Fairs, which were claimed to be the largest in southern England. Certainly the large numbers of sheep dealers and shepherds coming to the fairs once provided a major source of income for the numerous inns and alehouses in the village. Sheep pens lined the High Street, Broad Street and Pen Meadow.
The Sheep Fair Committee are hoping for good weather and look forward to seeing everyone on the day.
Please plan your journey ahead as the A34 will be closed southbound from Didcot to Chieveley all weekend.
