Hurstpierpoint fair marks 700th anniversary

Hurstpierpoint villagers marked the 700th anniversary of their fair in perfect sunshine on Saturday, after their ceremony, a week ago, to unveil a special sculpture to mark the occasion.
JPMT 060713 700th Hurstpierpoint procession. Photo by Derek MartinJPMT 060713 700th Hurstpierpoint procession. Photo by Derek Martin
JPMT 060713 700th Hurstpierpoint procession. Photo by Derek Martin

Sylvia Thornhill’s eyecatching sculpture of seven children through the ages is on the village green and underlines the fun the fair has brought to families over many years.

Hurstpierpoint was granted a Royal Charter in 1313 to hold the fair and apart from gaps during both world wars, the community event has flourished.

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Steve Whitehead, who sits on the fair committee, said the theme of ‘seven’ ran throughout the event on Saturday.

JPMT 060713 700th Hurstpierpoint procession. Photo by Derek MartinJPMT 060713 700th Hurstpierpoint procession. Photo by Derek Martin
JPMT 060713 700th Hurstpierpoint procession. Photo by Derek Martin

Bell-ringers rang 700 changes to mark the start of the fair, which included a procession of floats reflecting the ‘seven’ theme.

We will have a full picture spread in this week’s Middy, out on Thursday, July 11.