Patrick Redsell - Barsham Fair

Patrick Redsell in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://eafa.org.uk/work/?id=2038

Medieval style illustrations establish the theme of the Last Barsham Faire. Early morning reveals an encampment with caravans, makeshift tents and shelters. The fair is held next to the round tower church. Against medieval music, a stilt walker, jesters, minstrels and other musicians perform amongst the crowd. There is a medieval play and maypole dancing. One of the organisers tells how stall holders are encouraged to sell their own handmade goods, and to make their stalls look medieval.

Stallholders discuss their work: a bellows maker, women who spin by hand, and a lute maker. The committee talk about what the fair means to them. Other festivities include face painting, actors playing 'Punch and Judy', morris dancing and a man lying on a bed of nails. A performance takes place inside a tent, with children singing and dancing. A firework display ends the day.