The Village Fayre

Early Albrighton Fayre Although the Fayre goes back much earlier than the May Queen celebrations (actually fayres were held from 1231 to 1919) the present fayre celebrates in much the same way with a Rose Queen and attendants being chosen and taking pride of place within a similar procession.

The Albrighton Fayre was always well known throughout the surrounding district and in earlier times quite turbulent scenes took place to the extent of the “Miltia” being involved.

The last of the old Fayres was held in September 1919 when the auctioneers were Messrs Nock and Joseland of Wolverhampton. (In the previous year, 18 December 1918, the Earl of Shrewsbury’s estate comprising 1910 acres of freehold land in Albrighton was sold by auction at the Star and Garter Hotel in Wolverhampton – 71 lots in total).

At the present village fayres, craft work and pictures, bric-a-brac and plants etc, are sold from stalls usually to raise funds for local organisations.

A flower festival is often held in St Mary’s Church. Shops have window displays on a suggested theme and competitions are held, including identifying an “odd man out” item in various shop windows. Prizes are awarded to the winners.

The Sunday following has a procession by the combined churches starting at Donington and a hymn sung at each church on the way to the village green where a service takes place.

The Rose Queen is selected by the British Legion and she later places her bouquet on the War Memorial.

Words: Ernest Howells