Porlock Recreation Ground

Porlock Country Fair

Porlock Country Fair 2023 Report from Sunday 6th August

The sun came out for Porlock’s Country Fair at the beautiful setting of the Recreation Ground on Sunday, and so did the crowds. A fabulous day was enjoyed by over 1,500 people who were treated to a host of events, exhibitions, stalls and refreshments.

An avenue of over 30 stalls provided a variety of locally-produced wares such as preserves, confectionery, jewellery, plants, artwork, woodwork, ceramics, toys, clothing, etc., plus many stands from community groups. There were exhibitions of vintage cars and motorbikes, with the Harley Davidsons making their much-anticipated entrance. And over 100 prizes donated by generous local residents and businesses were won on the tombola.

Josh West and Alex Cook from DrumNation Workshops got the party started with their drumming circle followed by live music as the excellent Springhead Duo. The main arena saw displays from the Somerset Red Arrows Majorettes, Brompton Regis Morris Dancers, children’s races and the ever-popular family dog show. John, the local vet from Glenmore Road Surgery, had the unenviable task of judging nearly 200 entrants, giving out rosettes and goody bags, sponsored by Minehead Town Pet Supplies. Best in Show was won by 12 months old Great Dane, Gunnar.

Rosettes galore were also won by children taking part in the running races, plus there were traditional games such as Splat the Rat, Spinning Jenny, Roll a Penny to entertain them. The Porlock Football Club had an obstacle course and Granny’s Attic gave everyone a ‘smashing time’. Stilt-walkers from Higher Beings with Dreckly the Dragon and Demelza were there to entertain the little ones, blowing bubbles to everyone’s delight, plus the ever-popular Bouncy Play area. Stacked Wonky invited kids to build a Tower of Doom, plus mats, splats and other challenges. The Porlock Fire Engine was there to educate and entertain along with the Mountain Rescue and the Porlock Gig. Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance ran a ‘Name the Bear’ competition – turns out she was called Daisy!

Porlock Ladies provided teas in the pavilion, the Top Ship’s licensed bar included a very popular Pimm’s bar, and there were plenty of food options from Richard Little’s burgers and pizza aplenty from Exmoor Wood-fired Pizza Co. and Caroline Westcott Pizzas. Plus, Styles ice cream van, of course!

The Recreation Ground would like to thank all the volunteers, too many to mention, who helped put up the marquees and set up, who worked on the day manning the gates, car parking, or running a stall, plus tidying up afterwards. We could not do it without you!

Plus, a massive thank you to all who came along to make the day such a success, raising in the region of £4,000.

Porlock Country Fair 2022 Report from Sunday 7th August

This very popular event had to be cancelled in 2020 and was scaled down in 2021, but organisers pulled out all the stops for 2022, hoping to match or surpass the record number of visitors seen in 2019.

With the ground’s extensive space for numerous marquees and stalls, there is a variety of locally-produced wares on display and for sale from 11am, such as preserves, confectionery, plants, jewellery, artwork, woodwork, ceramics, toys and clothing. Also on show, exhibitions of classic cars and Harley Davidson motorbikes, the fire engine and Porlock Gig.

There was a Caribbean vibe this year with live music at points throughout the day from Skintight Samba, Caribbean food and themed stilt-walkers. The central arena attraction was Seb’s Band where everyone was invited to join in and play beats, percussion and grooves in an all-round interactive musical experience for all ages. At 3pm, the ever-popular fun family dog show took centre stage.

Children participated in the running races and traditional games like Splat the Rat, the Spinning Jenny, Roll a Penny and more. The stilt-walkers and Dreckly Dragon roamed around to entertain the little ones, plus there was a ‘Bouncy Castle’ play area.

Not many went home empty-handed, as the tombola raffle had plenty of amazing prizes to win, donated by generous local residents and businesses.

A variety of food and refreshments were available with a licensed bar, tea and coffee and soft drinks, and food vendors offering burgers, hog roast and other local chefs’ specialties, such as Caribbean, vegetarian and vegan food. Not to forget the ice cream van!

Adult admission was just £3, with under-16s free with free on-site parking. Dogs were welcome on leads.

This has to be the very best-value family summer day out!

Porlock Village Fête 2021 Report

On August 1st 2021 we held a scaled-down, more local alternative to the Annual Country Fair. We had a wonderful selection of stalls selling all sorts of crafts and artisinal goods, and showcasing and raising funds for some of the community groups working for a better Porlock and surrounding area. Guests did not go hungry or thirsty, with several delicious food and drink venues, all run by local businesses. Great entertainment was had by all, in the children (and adult!) races, the family dog show and the traditional games raising funds for local causes. Instead of an entry fee for pedestrians this year, there was a voluntary bucket collection at the gate for the St. Dubricius church restoration fund. In addition to the proceeds gained by local businesses and community groups, the recreation ground charity itself made a surplus of around £1,300. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, old and new, who gave their time, energy and know-how to pull off the logistics. We hope to be back, bigger and better, with the usual Country Fair in 2022!

Porlock Country Fair 2020 Report

No event was held in 2020 due to restrictions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Porlock Country Fair 2019 Report

Our thanks to everyone who joined in the fun on Sunday 4th August 2019 - it was a successful day, blessed once again with lovely summer weather. More than 2,100 people filled the beautiful Recreation Ground and enjoyed a day packed with entertainment. Our main arena show this year was provided by Higher Beings who wowed the crowds with their circus skills including some amazing aerial acrobatics displays. Lots of our younger visitors enjoyed being included in the second show and the talented entertainers kept busy between shows - rising above the masses on their stilts!

Once again, Mr Mommet kept young and old(er!) entertained with his riotous Punch and Judy show, and any excess youthful energy was spent with the hugely popular Children's Races. The herd of Pantomime Horses made a repeat appearance and galloped around the arena to the great amusement of onlookers! Keeping with the animal theme, this year's Dog Show was a great opportunity for local and visiting canines to show off their talents, with a wonderful display from the Exmoor Dog Training Club.

Between Arena Shows, the Darktown Strutters once again provided the perfect musical accompaniment as visitors explored the various food vendors and traders. For those who wanted even more excitement, Exmoor Adventures brought along their fleet of eBikes for everyone to try, as well as axe throwing and tree-climbing (not at the same time!). West Country Blacksmiths demonstrated their smithying skills and other rural skills such as beekeeping, horticulture, thatching and all sorts of arts and crafts were also on display.

Porlock Fire Service, which is at risk of closure this year, had an enormous amount of public support - especially from the amazing team at Porlock SOS who are doing a great job of publicising and helping the community to protest the closure plans.

The Country Fair is a beloved annual event that brings holiday-makers and locals alike to Porlock - many return year after year to this wonderfully traditional village event. The Recreation Ground is run by a charity and the fair is our main method of fundraising. Money raised goes towards the annual costs of £15,000+ that is required to maintain this fantastic village amenity, for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area. This year our total raised towards Rec maintenance was £6,450 and the trustees thank all of the volunteers who helped to organise and run the event (we could not do it without you!), as well as all the traders who return every year, the food vendors who keep everyone fed and watered and, of course, the talented and skilful entertainers.

Our grateful thanks also go to the local businesses who sponsor the event - their donations help to cover the costs of putting on the fair and the marketing and publicity. Please do support these businesses over the coming year!

COUNTRY FAIR SPONSORS

First Design Print Web

Maitland Walker Solicitors

Locanda on the Weir

Beaver Ford Garages

Miles Tea & Coffee

West Country Blacksmiths

Exmoor Adventures

Exmoor Dog Training Club

ABOUT THE FAIR

Porlock Country Fair is probably the best attended annual event in the village with a regular attendance in excess of 2,000 people. The Fair has evolved from a village fete some years ago into a genuine country event with a wide range of activities to enjoy.

The year's centrepiece activity takes place in the main arena supports by the regular and ever-popular family/fun dog show and the children's races.

The country demonstrations vary from year to year but usually include wood turning, Morris Men, bee keeping, a blacksmith and a fascinating collection of vintage working agricultural engines.

Numerous craft stalls fill the marquees offering a wide variety of craft items from locally produced cakes, jams, preserves and chutneys, to books and cards, framed prints, hand carved walking sticks, bowls, animals, driftwood art and wood puzzles, jewellery, plants, shawls, rugs, embroidery and scarves and much more.

The many other stalls offer a wide range of temptations, sweets, plants, games, local cheese, antiques, wood products, bric-a-brac, local chutneys, children’s toys and novelties, jewellery, tools and photography to mention just a few.

There is usually a large bouncy castle, various games to play, classic and vintage cars and motorbikes and a display of Harley-Davidson motor bikes.

A jazz or brass band provides background music, the hog roast, burgers and hot dogs are always popular and the traditional beer tent with local cider and beer invariably has customers forming an orderly queue!

As well as providing a great days entertainment and showcasing local produce and suppliers, the Country Fair is also the main fund raising event for the Recreation Ground and provides most of the income used in maintaining this great resource for the people of Porlock and our visitors.

Regular stallholders regard this event as one of the most enjoyable and productive they attend. Additional stallholders are always welcome to attend and our charges are incredibly reasonable! If you are interested email us through the contact page.

The event would not be possible without the fantastic contribution made by all the volunteer helpers both on the day and in the lengthy preparation beforehand. Additional volunteers are always needed. If you are able to give a few hours either before or on the day of the Fair please get in touch.

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Sponsors 2019

We are very grateful to all our sponsors who help us to meet the costs of running the fair and publicity in the local area.