BRADFIELD MAYFAYRE 2024

Monday 6th May
From midday to around 4:30pm

A traditional Mayfayre set in the picturesque village of Bradfield Southend.
Including companion Dog Show.

Village Hall Playing Fields, Bradfield Southend, RG7 6EY

Adults (over 16) £5
Children (5 to 16)  £1

Raising funds for the local community for over 40 years!

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ABOUT THE MAYFAYRE

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.

FOOD AND DRINK

A variety of local food is available, including Renegade Brewery and Tutts Clump Cider at the beer tent, excellent Vicars Game barbeque, homemade WI teas and cakes 

Returning this year is FINK Street Foodthe craft tent has Local Foods too, and Candy Floss next to the Icecream

ARTS AND MUSIC

The Craft and Food Tent showcases local artists demonstrating their work, as well as local foods to purchase.

The Music Tent has many talented local acts, including Englefield Primary Choir, Bradfield Jazz Band and South Berks Band.

In the beer tent a local musician will be performing.

ATTRACTIONS

There are many new games this year, including old favourites of Plate Smashing, Coconut Shy or Tossing the Bale competition, have a go at Skittles, the bouncy castle slides.

Returning this year is Gypsy Pysky clown workshop as well as Classic Tractors

CENTRE RING

We are offering a cut-down center ring this year, focussing on the May Queen Opening and Maypole Dancing.

Our famous pig racing has been replaced this year with Bouncy Pig racing - for kids and big kids alike!

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MAYFAYRE BEGINNINGS...

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 2024 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.

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

WHERE CAN I PARK?

Plenty of FREE parking is provided on the Bradfield Southend Cricket Club field, and opposite McVeigh Parkers, with easy access to the Mayfayre.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Adults £5
Children £1

WHEN IS IT?

Monday 6th May 2024.
Midday to around 4:30pm

WHERE IS IT?

Bradfield Southend Playing Fields, RG7 6EY

CHAIR'S WELCOME

Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to the 40th 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.  There is a summary of last year's disbursements on the following page, which totalled approx. £9,200.

A very special mention and thanks must go to our Mayfayre 2023 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

KENNEL CLUB COMPANION DOG SHOW

Entries from 12 noon. and Judging commences 1 p.m.

Classes

  • PEDIGREE CLASSES
  • AV PUPPY 6-12 Months, AV Veteran Over 7 Years Old, AV Special Yearling, AV Working/ Pastoral, AV toy/ Utility, AV Gundog, AV Terrier/Hound, AV Open, Brace Special (2 Similar Dogs) 
  • BIS – RBIS – BPIS
  • Rosettes Sponsored by Janet Kettle-White


  • NOVELTY CLASSES
  • Best Crossbreed Puppy, Best Crossbreed, Best Crossbreed Veteran Over 7, Best Rescue  Child Handler (16 and under), Most Appealing Eyes, Handsome Boy, Prettiest Lady, Waggiest Tail , Best Lurcher or Cross hound, Dog who has never won a rosette, Judges Choice to take Home
  • BNIS – BNPIS
  • Rosettes Sponsored by Jane Barnes
  • No CC, RCC or Junior Warrant Winners, No female dogs in season


  • Ring 3 “Rally Obedience”
  • Have a go class £1.00 per go


Child Handling classes for 16 and under.  See schedule below for details


Details

  • £2.00 a class, 4th entry free.
  • Car Park Free.
  • Mayfayre Entrance charges also apply. 


CENTRE RING

MAY QUEEN

The opening by the May Queen and attendants on Celebration Carraiges horse and cart.

MAYPOLE DANCING

Traditional May Pole dancing from Bradfield Primary

BOUNCY PIG RACING

Theale Tigers are a local football club, for ages from tots to teens.  They are providing a football demostration of the yongest members of their team.

ARTS, FOOD and DRINK AND MUSIC TENTS

South Berks Concert Band

Englefield Primary Choir

Local Musician

Bradfield College Jazz Band

Craft Village

Local Beers, Ciders and Music in the Beer Tent

Food in the Craft Tent

GAMES AND ATTRACTIONS

We have many games and attractions for a full afternoon of fun!  These include:

GAMES

Coconut Shy
Plate Smashing
Hoopla
Bouncy Castle
Pedal Cars
Skittles
Treasure Hunt
Toss the Bale
Fishing for Ducks

NEW GAMES

Putting Board
Milk the Cow
Cricket Nets
Toss The Horseshoe
Splat The Rat
Penalty Shoot Out
Toss the Bunny
Welly Target

ATTRACTIONS

Tractors Display
Farrier
Coach and Horses
Sheep Shearing
Gypsy Pysky Circus Workshop
Berks Federation of WI
Face Painting
Local Beers and Ciders


ATTRACTIONS

Sunshine Club
St Peters Pre School
Church stall
Methodist Church
Parish Council
Bradfield College Sports
Accousitc Set


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

FIELD MAP

GRAND PRIZE DRAW

To be drawn at 4:00 p.m.

Many prizes including:

  • Two Luxury Hampers with Local Berkshire Specialities
  • Meal for two at the Queens Head, Bradfield
  • M.O.T. at P.R. Motors of Tidmarsh
  • Swimming and Exercise Vouchers for Bradfield Sports Complex
  • Tutts Clump Cider and Laithwaite’s Wine
  • and Many More...

£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. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND SUPPLIERS

We are extremely grateful to our Community Partners and Suppliers who have been so generous and supportive of the Mayfayre.

West Berkshire Brewery

2023 BENEFICIARIES

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 from the proceeds of the 2018 Mayfayre.

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