The Mayfayre has become one of the best local traditional Country Fayre's in Berkshire, providing very good value for money and an afternoon of fun and entertainment, drawing people from across Berkshire.
It's focused on fundraising for the community for over 40 years, and providing a traditional good value day out.
A variety of local food is available, including Renegade Brewery and Tutts Clump Cider at the beer tent, excellent Vicars Game barbeque, homemade WI teas and cakes, Go Fish and Chips, and Ice Cream Van
Returning this year is FINK Street Food and the Candy Floss stall. The craft tent has Local Foods too,.
The Craft and Food Tent showcases local artists demonstrating their work, as well as local foods to purchase.
The Music Tent has many talented local acts, including Englefield Primary Choir, and the South Berks Concert Band.
There are many new games this year, including old favourites of Plate Smashing, Coconut Shy or Tossing the Bale competition, have a go at Skittles, the bouncy castle slides.
Returning this year is Gypsy Pysky clown workshop as well as Classic Tractors
We are offering a cut-down center ring this year, focussing on the May Queen Opening and Maypole Dancing.
Our famous pig racing has been replaced this year with Bouncy Pig racing - for kids and big kids alike!
In 1977 local villagers successfully came together to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Following this event, many people suggested that we had an Annual Village Occasion. The enthusiasm from individuals, village clubs, the Parish Council and other organisations was such that in 1981 the first Bradfield Mayfayre took place on the Village Hall Playing Fields.
Jimmy Balsdon was our first Chairman and the organising Committee included – Mrs. Beausire, Rosemary Masters, Linda Bennell, Peter Bird, Sue Gilchrist, Mrs. Mount, Derek Young, Denise Horwood, Carol Yeoman and Jackie Maclean. Mrs. Ritchie and Mrs. Cresswell organised Coffee Mornings and whist drives raising funds to enable the MayFayre to get off to a brilliant start.
Admission to the Mayfayre was 50p for adults with free admission for children. The programme of events cost 20p. There were Decorated Floats and Bicycles, a Fancy Dress Parade …musical pony rides, a dancing display, Tug o’War Competition, Gymnastic Display, Maypole Dancing and the Blackdam Majorettes. The first MayQueen arrived in a horse-drawn decorated carriage. Music was provided by Bradfield College Brass Band and Pangbourne Silver Band. The first Dog Exemption Show (Ray Willis) was held and there were many stalls and side shows. John Bishop brought along sheep for shearing and a demonstration of spinning … Norman Patterson brought along pigs and Mr. A.Phillips provided a poultry display.
There were races for the children, a Half Yard Ale contest, Tossing the Bale (Bob Wyatt) and Bowling for a Pig. We had a Custom Cars display, a licensed bar, ice-creams, hot dogs and afternoon teas. In St.Peter’s Hall there was an Arts & Crafts Exhibition and a display of Bradfield Local History.
For those who had some energy left a social evening was held with music provided by Orange Discotheques.
2020 to 2022 were missed for Covid-19, and we returned in 2023.
So here we are in 2024 ready to celebrate the 40th Bradfield Mayfayre – many of the original committee members, supporters and programme advertisers are still in and around the village and have wonderful memories of the early beginnings of what is now a most successful annual event.
Plenty of FREE parking is provided on the Bradfield Southend Cricket Club field, and opposite McVeigh Parkers, with easy access to the Mayfayre.
Adults £5
Children £1
Monday 6th May 2024.
Midday to around 4:30pm
Bradfield Southend Playing Fields, RG7 6EY
Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to the 40th Bradfield Mayfayre. Please relax and enjoy yourselves in the good old fashioned British way. Our 'Art in Action', a well-established Mayfayre favourite, is back with exciting demonstrations and displays by local craftspeople for you to see their exciting work. In the Beer and Cider tent, Bradfield Social Club will be working hard to satisfy your thirsts, having set a new record last year!
Firstly, I must thank all the Mayfayre Committee, a dedicated team of individuals, who once again have come up with a thrilling event with something for everyone young and old. A lot of time and thought goes into each Mayfayre but without your generosity and loyalty our task, providing vital funds to our needy community projects, charities and voluntary organisations, would be much harder. There is a summary of last year's disbursements on the following page, which totalled approx. £9,200.
A very special mention and thanks must go to our Mayfayre 2023 Community Partners: Bradfield Enterprises & College, Bradfield Social Club, Parkers Estate Agents, Renegade Brewery, Vicars Game and the Performing Rights Society who are all extremely generous in helping us meet our objectives.
Here's hoping the sun shines on us again and we all enjoy a fantastic afternoon and catch up with friends and neighbours. If anybody would like to join the Mayfayre helpers please speak to any of the 'yellow shirt' brigade. Please enjoy and have a great afternoon!
Rosemary Balsdon, Chair
Entries from 12 noon. and Judging commences 1 p.m.
Classes
Child Handling classes for 16 and under. See schedule below for details
Details
The opening by the May Queen and attendants on Celebration Carraiges horse and cart.
Traditional May Pole dancing from Bradfield Primary
Theale Tigers are a local football club, for ages from tots to teens. They are providing a football demostration of the yongest members of their team.
We have many games and attractions for a full afternoon of fun! These include:
Coconut Shy
Plate Smashing
Hoopla
Bouncy Castle
Pedal Cars
Skittles
Treasure Hunt
Toss the Bale
Fishing for Ducks
Putting Board
Milk the Cow
Cricket Nets
Toss The Horseshoe
Splat The Rat
Penalty Shoot Out
Toss the Bunny
Welly Target
Tractors Display
Farrier
Coach and Horses
Sheep Shearing
Gypsy Pysky Circus Workshop
Berks Federation of WI
Face Painting
Local Beers and Ciders
Sunshine Club
St Peters Pre School
Church stall
Methodist Church
Parish Council
Bradfield College Sports
Accousitc Set
We're very excited to have Gyspy Pyksy joining us this year.
A mix of Circus, Performance, Acting and dance entertainment, performing since 2009 with street theatre, events and festivals
To be drawn at 4:00 p.m.
Many prizes including:
£1 per Ticket. On sale from our Raffle Stand next to Pig Tote
100% of Ticket sales go to support our community and local charities.
We are extremely grateful to our Community Partners and Suppliers who have been so generous and supportive of the Mayfayre.
Thanks to you, your generosity and support, the following disbursements, totalling £9,930 has been made to our village based organisations, charities and community based projects from the proceeds of the 2018 Mayfayre.
St Peters Church £600
Newslink £400
Bradfield Primary PTA £900
Bradfield Village Hall £1000
St Peters Pre-School £375 Taceham Scout Helpers £300
John Simmonds Trust £500
Bradfield Brownies £200
Bradfield Whist Club £150
Bradfield Luncheon Club £250
Women's Institute £300
Englefield School £200
Woolhampton Scouts £950
Sunshine Club £600
Charlie Waller Trust £550
Bradfield History Society £205
Young Farmers £300
Bradfield Cricket Club £500
Standby Volunteer Group £250
Bradfield Social Club £1000
Reading Sea Cadets £400
FOLLOW US