Largest Wickham Horse Fair for years returns to Hampshire town

And they weren't the only ones cashing in, as the fair also saw a busy market full of stalls selling items that would appeal to the gypsy, traveller and Roma community and a popular funfair with an array of thrill-seeking rides and games. 

Food and drink stalls were also doing good business, especially the bar as the sun shone making it one of the nicest days of the year so far. 

Wickham Horse Fair, one of the largest fairs of its type in the country, has been held in the town for more than 500 years. 

SEE MORE: Wickham Horse Fair 2023: 15 pictures of travellers' event in Hampshire

It is held annually on May 20 and has been held every year since 1269. 

The past few years have been blighted by either bad weather, or Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

During the most extreme lockdown in 2020, the fair could not go ahead in its full form, and instead one or two representatives attended the town to ensure its Royal Charter was being met. 

However, all that seemed a distant memory, as the sun brought out the crowds on Saturday.

The sun is out at Wickham Horse Fair pic.twitter.com/esLsJ1zh6t

— Kimberley Barber (@kimberleybarber) May 20, 2023

Johnny Hurdle, from Wymering, was glad of the chance to catch up with old friends. He was enjoying a pint of Guinness with old friend Martlew Pitman, from Fontwell. 

He said: "It has been lovely, I have been coming here every year for the past 50 years, I know I don't look old enough for that!" 

His pal Martlew said: "It is marvellous, I come every year to catch up with old acquaintances, it's great to see them all here today." 

The fair attracted many families, who were enjoying the funfair. 

Horse fanatic Evie Stichbury, 12, was with her mum Christine and sister Kiera, 14, and she was delighted to have a seat on one of the horses for sale. 

Christine, from Sarisbury Green, said: "I have been coming here ever since I was little, it's a very good fair. However this is the first time that Evie has been, and she's loved it, as there are plenty of horses on show." 

Among the crowds were also local people who had come out to get a taste of the day. 

Rhiannon John, from nearby village Knowle, was with her husband Sam and baby Fionn, who is just five weeks old. 

She said: "It's great, I used to come here when I was little so we thought we would get out and bring Fionn along. It's nice weather, so it's been beautiful." 

@hampshire_chronicle Wickham Horse Fair has returned to the Hampshire town in 2023 #hampshireuk ♬ original sound - Hampshire Chronicle

Keeping a close watch on proceedings were scores of police officers, officials and representatives from the RSPCA. 

Nearby businesses were advised to expect extra foot traffic due to the event.

The fair does not have an official organiser, however Bernice Wall is the main point of contact for the funfair which took over the Square. 

Her daughter Marisa and son-in-law John Searle run the fair, John Searle Funfair, which is well known as it travels across the south. 

She said they were pleased to be back in Wickham - and to have brought more rides than in previous years due to popular demand. 

SEE ALSO: Wickham Horse Fair: Police advice to motorists and visitors

She said: "It is not just a horse fair, it's also a funfair as well as a place to sell animals. We have been working hard to bring it back to what it used to be, as it was what the locals said they wanted. And the locals have been very supportive. We are thankful and also very pleased with the day." 

Click the top image to see more pictures from the day. More photos will be uploaded at hampshirechronicle.co.uk on Monday, and a report will run in Thursday's printed Hampshire Chronicle. 

Correction: An earlier version of this article said that businesses located near where the festivities would take place had been advised by Hampshire Constabulary to close. Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that no businesses were advised to pause trading during the event, but to expect heavier foot traffic.