Brigg Horse Fair

History of the Fair

It was on the 5th of August, the weather fair and fine,
Unto Brigg Fair I did repair; for love I was inclined.

... and so began the old Lincolnshire folk song 'Brigg Fair'⁷. A simple song, but one whose theme was made world famous by Delius.

The Brigg Horse Fair is one of the oldest in the country. Accounts of the setting up of the fair vary. One source¹ says that charter was granted by King John in 1204. Another⁴ has it that the charter was granted by King Henry the Third in 1235. The fair has since taken over by the Brigg and District Community Association.

In 2000 there were '20,000 visitors'¹ - a remarkable figure for an event in such a small town as Brigg. Last year the fair happened on two separate days: one 'official' day without horses and another 'unofficial' with horses. Hopefully this confusion will be sorted out soon, and the fair return to a single event on the date stipulated in the charter.

Traditionally the fair happens on the 5th of August, but recently this has been changed. The original site of the fair disappeared when the Tescos supermarket was built and no alternative venue has been found.

Last year, barriers were put up to block Station Road in an attempt at preventing the potentially dangerous practice of trotting - at high speed - with ponies. However, this was ineffective² and the age-old custom continued on the approach road to the station.

In 2001, a play 'Fair Play'³ - written by Brigg man Mike Cliff - was performed in the courtyard of the Exchange Hotel by actors from the Hull Truck Theatre Company. The play brought the history of the Brigg Fair to life with songs, jokes and crowd involvement.

It is not clear if the fair is indeed a horse fair. The original charter may only refer to a period of celebrations of five days beginning on St. James Day. The sale of horses may be a (relatively) recent introduction.

The Community Association is looking for a permanent venue for the Brigg Fair and are in discussion with 'a local landowner' to arrange next year's (2004) fair. No venue for this year's horse fair has yet been found. A venue is being urgently sought for August 5, 2003. If no suitable venue is found then a 'street carnival'⁵ will take place 'on a date later in the month' (August). Another source⁶ has it that there will be a 'town fair' on the 30th of August, 2003.