Introduction

As the summer sun casts its golden glow over the green, the Fair comes alive with a kaleidoscope of stalls, each brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. Test your skill at whimsical games, or try your luck in hopes of taking home a coveted prize. Savour the tastes of local culinary delights, and let the vibrant array of entertainment captivate your senses and spark joy in the hearts of young and old alike.

Step back in time and experience the charm of a traditional English fête at the Rottingdean Village Fair, a beloved annual celebration that has graced our village green for nearly a century.

Nestled in the heart of the historic and picturesque seaside village of Rottingdean, this enchanting event beckons visitors from near and far to revel in a day of merriment and nostalgia.

All about the fair

History

The village of Rottingdean has held public festivities for as long as anyone can remember, with royal celebrations being a particular favourite. The earliest recorded event was a jubilant affair held in 1789 marking King George III's recovery from insanity, complete with dazzling illuminations and fireworks that lit up the village in joy!

Another memorable event was Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. Villagers gathered for a grand lunch, followed by a lively sports day on Beacon Hill. Aside from the usual sack and flat races, the real star of the show was an animal race which was somewhat bizarrely won by a parrot!

The Village Fair as we know it today was first held in 1925 at "The Elms," with the Prime Minister's wife, Mrs. Stanley Baldwin, doing the honours of opening the proceedings. Raising £392, the event supported both the Church and School. By the 1930s, the Fair moved to The Green, paused during WWII, and was later revived by the determined Miss Jessie Seymour and her sister.

Over the years, a star-studded lineup has opened the Fair, including Arthur Lowe, Lawrence Olivier, and Fred Perry - famous faces of the time who added a touch of glamour to a beloved tradition.

In 1911, King George V's Coronation provided another excuse for a magnificent pageant, vividly described in Colonel S.M. Moens' book "The Story of a Village." Later celebrations such as the 1935 Jubilee and King George VI's Coronation were somewhat more modest, but they still held a special place in village history.

The Ancient Order of Foresters also hosted an annual Fete Day that drew considerable crowds, and the Victorians held an annual event in November where a certain Miss Matilda Beard would distribute pennies to crowds of grateful local children.

Beyond the fun, the modern Fair has always been about supporting the community. Funds raised have been a crucial lifeline for local projects, helping the Church, School, many local charities, and even restoring the iconic Windmill when its sails fell off!

A special tribute must also go to the late Miss Winifred Hoyle, who devised and managed the 'Opening Cavalcade' - a major feature of the Rottingdean Village Fair for many glorious years.

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'The Rottingdean Cavalcade'

Up until twenty years ago or so, the Rottingdean Village Fair used to kick off the day with a spectacular costume parade. Dozens of local children would walk beside their parents and teachers, along with representatives from many of our local businesses and community groups, the emergency services and our armed forces. The Scouts, the Brownies, The Beavers, all the local schools - everyone participated!

Beginning at the seafront and often accompanied by a marching band, the parade would make its joyful way along the High Street, past the gathered crowds of cheering spectators, and on towards The Green.

Each year there was a new and different theme for the Fair, and all the costumes were individually crafted to compliment that theme. It took a dedicated team of local volunteers many months to make and alter dozens of costumes - but as you can see for yourself in the archive photos herewith, it was definitely all worth it in the end! It was an amazing spectacle to behold and great fun for everyone involved!

Sadly though, and after much consideration, the Committee have decided that it is no longer a viable proposition to stage this spectacular component for a variety of logistic, financial and societal reasons. Instead, we are trying out some new ideas this year that will hopefully recreate some of the same magic - but with a contemporary twist.

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Our mission

The Rottingdean Village Fair is a tapestry woven with threads of quirkiness and eccentricity, a true reflection of the village's unique spirit. But, beyond the laughter and the lively banter, lies a deeper purpose.

Every chuckle shared, every penny spent, fuels the vital support for an array of local charities and good causes. Each year, the beneficiaries may change, but the fair's commitment to nurturing the community remains steadfast.

Join us in the revelry, and be a part of something more than a fair - be a part of a legacy that champions the heart of Rottingdean.

The Rottingdean Village Fair was delighted to be able to make grants to four different organsations this year.

Our Lady of Lourdes School was able to purchase two balance bikes and St Margaret’s School bought some much-needed sensory equipment for their new nurture and sensory space.

Other grants were made towards a youth outreach initiative for PARC and the memorial restoration fund for the Royal British Legion.

Our beneficiaries

Our team

A surprising amount of time and effort goes into organising and funding the Rottingdean Village Fair each and every year. Fortunately though, we have a very talented and dedicated committee of local volunteers who meet regularly throughout the year to do exactly that - and we like to share a few laughs along the way too!

However, we're always looking for new skills and expertise too! So if you think you've got something to contribute and you have the time to spare, we urge you to consider joining our friendly little team!

Please do drop us a note as we'd love to meet you in person and tell you more about us and what the job entails.

COME AND MEET US!