St Mary's May Fayre returns to Portsmouth this bank holiday weekend with Morris dancing, street food and beer tent
Beer, baked goods, bric-a-brac and brilliant performances are all on the agenda.
Every year, there are tell-tale signs that summer is almost here. The weather gets warmer, flowers start to bloom, and days at the beach start to look much more appealing.
But here in Portsmouth, an indicator of summer that you can set your watch by is the annual St Mary’s May Fayre - to which thousands of people are expected to turn up this bank holiday weekend.
On Monday, May 4, St Mary’s Church in Fratton Road, Fratton, will be welcoming roughly 10,000 people into the churchyard for a day filled with fairground rides, street food and musical performances.
Father Bob White, vicar of St Mary’s Portsea and archdeacon of Portsdown, said: “As we celebrate 100 years of Portsmouth’s status as a city and the 40th May Fayre, I am reminded of how important and supportive our local community is.
“From the army of volunteers supporting the event, to the stallholders bringing their varied talents, and the visitors creating a jubilant atmosphere, the May Fayre is another example of what makes Fratton and Portsmouth so special.”
The beer tent, one of the staples of the May Fayre, will be returning to offer visitors an opportunity to cool off with a pint. For those looking for something sweeter, local bakers will be offering a selection of cookies and cakes. Vendors will also be offering highlights of a variety of cuisines and street food.
Across the churchyard, there will be a multitude of stalls selling everything from clothes and books to toys and collectables. Sellers include both local businesses selling handmade goods and bric-a-brac merchants offering cheap prices for hidden treasures.
As for musical performances, crowds will be entertained all day long by the Victory Morris Dancers, Portsmouth City Band, Drumnation and local dance schools. The St Mary’s Choir will be performing at 11am too.
For families looking for something more active to do, the churchyard will also be hosting a ‘unicorn’ ride and various fairground rides, from carousels to hook-a-ducks.
St Mary’s May Fayre will run from 10am-4pm, and entry is free for all ages.