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 Young Farmers barbeque, homemade WI teas and cakes, Go Fish and Chips, the Ice Cream Van and Candy Floss.
New this year is PIZZA LOLA, and FINK Street Food return.
The Craft and Food Village showcases local artists demonstrating their work, as well as local foods, crafts and items to purchase.
The Music Tent has many talented local acts, including Englefield Primary Choir, and the South Berks Concert Band.
Twozcompany perform in the beer tent, and Reading Rock Choir will be on the field.
There are new games this year, including Peg Board Raffle and Quoits. Old favourites of Plate Smashing, Coconut Shy or Tossing the Bale competition, have a go at the bouncy castle slides and Bungee Trampolines.
Many more attractions including
Loddon Vale Dog Training Club Dog Show, where your pets can be entered in the various classes, Pete Harrod has his World War II display, the local fire service Fire Engine, and the FREE and very popular Gypsy Pysky clown workshop.
We’ll open with the traditional May Queen and lively Maypole Dancing. Enjoy performances from the South Berks Concert Band, Dance Fusion, and the Englefield School Choir. Kids can join in the fun with space hopper races, while everyone can get involved with classic games like egg catching and bouncy pig racing We’ll round off the day with the Final of the Dog Show, awarding rosettes, and finish with the ever-popular raffle draw.
12:00 Mayfayre opens
12:30 May Queen Entrance
12:45 Maypole Dancing
13:00 South Berks Concert Band
13:30 Dance Fusion
13:45 Space Hopper Races
14:15 South Berks Concert Band
14:45 Englefield School Choir
15:15 Dance Fusion
15:30 Centre Ring Games
16:15 Dog Show Winners
16:30 Raffle Draw
All times are approximate.
Acts and Timings subject to change
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 2025 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
Under 5 FREE
Monday 5th May 2025.
Midday to around 4:30pm
Bradfield Southend Playing Fields, RG7 6EY
Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to the 41st 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.
A very special mention and thanks must go to our Mayfayre 2025 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. £2.00 a class
1. AV Puppy (6–12 months)
2. AV Veteran (Over 7 Years)
3. AV Working & Pastoral
4. AV Toy & Utility
5. AV Gundog
6. AV Terrier & Hound
7. AV Open
BIS – RBIS – BPIS
Puppy Walk (Dogs 4–6 months)
8. Best Crossbreed Puppy (6–12 months)
9. Best Crossbreed Veteran (Over 7 years)
10. Best Crossbreed
11. Child Handler (16 and under)
12. Best Rescue
13. Prettiest Lady
14. Handsome Boy
15. Best 6 Legs
16. Best Condition
17. Dog Who Has Never Won a Rosette
18. Judge’s Choice to Take Home
BNIS – RBNIS – BNPIS
Have-a-Go Hoopers
£2.00 a go
Scurry
£2.00 a go
by Amanda Cotterell
from Look and Lead Dog Training
🚫 No Ringside Parking
🚫 No CC, RCC or Junior Warrant Winners
🚫 No female dogs in season
🚫 Dogs must NOT be left in hot cars!
Organised by:
Loddon Vale Dog Training Club (LVDTC)
The opening by the May Queen and attendants on Celebration Carraiges horse and cart.
Traditional May Pole dancing from Bradfield Primary
Come and have a go with Bouncy Pig Racing and traditional games.
Get ready for an electrifying performance as Dance Fusion take to the centre ring, bringing energy, passion, and spectacular moves from their award-winning academy!
We have many games and attractions for a full afternoon of fun! These include:
Coconut Shy
Plate Smashing
Hoopla
Bouncy Castle
Bungee Trampolines
Skittles
Treasure Hunt
Milk the Cow
Splat The Rat
Spot Kick
Quoits
Welly Target
Toss the Bale
Fishing for Ducks
Coach and Horses
Sheep Shearing
Gypsy Pysky Circus Workshop
Face Painting
Local Beers and Ciders
Owl Sanctuary
World War I Display
Cadets
Fire Engine
St Peters Pre School
Church stall
Methodist Church
Parish Council
Bradfield College Sports
Dance Fusion
Teddy Tombola
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
Serving freshly made, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas from their converted vintage horsebox, using homemade dough, local ingredients, and bold flavours.
Serves bold, globally inspired street food, with a mission to spark conversation around mental health and wellbeing, offering flavour-packed dishes with purpose.
Brings a fresh twist to the classic British favourite, serving sustainably sourced fish and hand-cut chips from their mobile van.
Bradfield Social Club will be serving a great selection of local beers and ciders, alongside refreshing Pimm’s and chilled Prosecco — the perfect way to enjoy the day!
WI Teas
Young Farmers BBQ
Young Farmers Coffee and Cake
Ice Cream Van
Candyfloss Machine
To be drawn at 4:30 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.
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
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