BIDEFORD FAIR - A BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL EVENT
What is the event?
A fun packed event for the whole family to enjoy!
Get ready to celebrate because the Bideford Summer Fair is back, and it's better than ever—and the best part? It's free for everyone! Scheduled for Saturday the 7th of June in Victoria Park, this year's fair promises a delightful blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
Entertainment will include music, dancing, games, welly wanging and the Bideford Fair Dog Show.
The Mayors Parade
The day starts with a touch of old-fashioned charm: the Mayor's grand procession through the streets of Bideford town, led by the enchanting sounds of pipers and accompanied by the iconic Town Band.
Traders Applications
Would you like to join us at this event?
There is no pitch fee for local businesses - we do ask that if you are trading at the event you make a donation to the Mayors chosen charity.
Local Charities and Not For Profit Groups may apply for a free stand at the event.
plans for bideford fair 2025
James Prestwood Flyboard Display
We are super excited to announce that James Prestwood Flyboard Displays will be joining us for Bideford Fair and The Mayor's Parade. Plus, the Waverley visit on Saturday 7th June. James will be doing two shows - the first one will be at 14.00 and the second one at 15.15 alongside the Waverley. This is something not to be missed!!! We ca
We are super excited to announce that James Prestwood Flyboard Displays will be joining us for Bideford Fair and The Mayor's Parade. Plus, the Waverley visit on Saturday 7th June. James will be doing two shows - the first one will be at 14.00 and the second one at 15.15 alongside the Waverley. This is something not to be missed!!! We can't wait!!!
Description about flyboard
A flyboard rider stands on a board with his feet strapped into boots, which is connected to a 23 metre hose (75ft). The other end of this hose connects to a 300 horse power jet ski which has a dual impeller. With this power, the jet ski can push the board up to heights off 18 metres (60ft) in the air. When you see me flyboarding, you will probably notice that there is no one on the jet ski, that is because I have a remote control in my hand which I am controlling the throttle on the jet ski from in the air. Examples of some of the tricks that I will be performing at your boat show are: various types of back flips (including doubles), spins, twists, supermans, dolphin dives, slaloms.
About me
James has been Flyboarding for around 9 years, mainly in the summer because off the weather.
James first seen the flyboard when he was in Ibiza watching the late Avicii and didn’t really know what it was, so after realising that you need a jet ski to pump the water up he decided to buy a jet ski and flyboard kit and it all went from there.
James first got asked to do a small show in his local town Torquay, then working his way up to performing at Southampton boat show which is the biggest boat show in England.
James has done many shows all over the country including Bristol harbour festival, Dartmouth regatta, Gloucester tall ships, Torbay air show and even doing shows several times in Ireland. He has also trained in Malta.
You will also see James dressing up in many different costumes such as James Bond where’s Wally, a sailor and even Spider-Man may make an appearance once in awhile
The Jetski that you see James using is burning approx 1 Litre of fuel every minute he is flying which makes it incredibly expensive to run not to mention insure and maintain.
James also has a business called sports lighting which is with his dad, which specialise in LED floodlighting all over the country for any sorts of applications, such as football pitches, rugby, tennis courts, etc
If you would like to see more off what James does on the flyboard then please check out his Instagram page James.Prestwood, also seen on his flags around the event
The Waverley
The Waverley will be arriving at 15:15 - you will be able to see the magnificent Paddle Steamer as she comes along the Torridge, heading past the SS FreshSpring at 15.00 and berthing on the Quay at 15.15. She will depart again at 16.20.
Saturday 7th June
Bideford Fair and The Mayor's Parade. Plus, the Waverley visit
Waverley is named af
The Waverley will be arriving at 15:15 - you will be able to see the magnificent Paddle Steamer as she comes along the Torridge, heading past the SS FreshSpring at 15.00 and berthing on the Quay at 15.15. She will depart again at 16.20.
Saturday 7th June
Bideford Fair and The Mayor's Parade. Plus, the Waverley visit
Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels. She was built to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk.
Waverley’s keel was laid on December 27, 1945 but due to material shortages after the war, she was not ready for launch until October 2, 1946. It wasn’t until the following year on January 20, 1947 that she was towed to Greenock for the installation of her boiler and engines. Her maiden voyage was on June 16, 1947.
Waverley was built for the route up Loch Goil and Loch Long from Craigendoran & Arrochar in West Scotland. She now visits several areas of the UK offering regular trips on the Clyde, The Western Isles, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel with calls at Liverpool & Llandudno.
Waverley is the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she was famously gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to own and operate the ship. Waverley then began a second career as one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Since she has been in operational preservation, she has been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland, an engineering heritage award, and has carried over 6 million passengers from over 60 ports around the UK.
2003 saw the completion of a £7m Heritage Rebuild which returned Waverley to the original 1940s style in which she was built. This was made possible with major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS). Contributions also came from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities.
In May 2019 Waverley was withdrawn from service and a capital appeal was launched to raise £2.3 million to allow her boilers to be replaced and re-commission Waverley for further service. In December 2019 it was announced that the appeal target had been reached.
Despite delays to the boiler refit due to the COVID-19 pandemic Waverley returned to service in August 2020 and operated a short season on the Firth of Clyde. After a successful season on the Clyde the following year, Waverley will be returning to other sailing areas in 2022.
2022 marked 75 years since Waverley’s maiden voyage on June 16, 1947.
Mayor's Parade
Bideford Fair Dog Show
Be sure to see the Mayor's Parade - starting at Bideford Town Hall at 10.45am, the Parade will head across Allhalland Street, stopping so Town Crier can make a Proclamation, then move along Mill Street, stopping so Town Crier can make a Proclamation, then heading down Cooper Street to Jubilee Square, stopping so Town Crier can make a Pro
Be sure to see the Mayor's Parade - starting at Bideford Town Hall at 10.45am, the Parade will head across Allhalland Street, stopping so Town Crier can make a Proclamation, then move along Mill Street, stopping so Town Crier can make a Proclamation, then heading down Cooper Street to Jubilee Square, stopping so Town Crier can make a Proclamation, before processing along the Quay to Victoria Park where the Mayor's Party will stand on the Dais. Then all of the participating military groups will pass the Mayor's Party and Salute them.
Bideford Fair Dog Show
Bideford Fair Dog Show
Don’t miss Bideford Fair Dog Show!!
Come down to the Arena from 12:10 and get ready to show your four-legged friends in the arena at 12:30 - participants will be invited to take part in one or more of the six categories.
There is no charge to enter.
Prizes for:
The Waggiest Tail
Most Handsome
Best Rescue
Looks Most Like Their Owner
Prettiest Dog
Coolest Pup
plans for bideford fair 2025
Paddling Pool Boat Race
Victoria Park's Paddling Pool will be home of a Boat Race on the 7th June at 13.00-14.00 (please note the pool will be closed from 12.30 to allow time to set up).
The team from SS FreshSpring are busy planning this event which is part of an on going project.
This event is funded as part of the SS FreshSpring's National Heritage Lottery P
Victoria Park's Paddling Pool will be home of a Boat Race on the 7th June at 13.00-14.00 (please note the pool will be closed from 12.30 to allow time to set up).
The team from SS FreshSpring are busy planning this event which is part of an on going project.
This event is funded as part of the SS FreshSpring's National Heritage Lottery Project to inspire young people to understand how boats work and also to build interest in Maritime Heritage. The project is managed by My Future My Choice, a Bristol Company.
There will be 30 small boats sailing in groups.
The Boats were built some time ago on school premises and linked with curricular activity. The schools involved are Westcroft and St Marys. The final phase of the project is to sail the boats.
Come down and see how the boats fair on the Pool!
Jumping Jack's Comedy Stunt Show - with Bodie Johns
Do not miss Jumping Jack's Comedy Stunt Show - Saturday 7th June Bideford Fair and The Mayor's Parade. Plus, the Waverley visit at 11.45 and 15.45.
Carry On Choir
Carry On Choir
Don't miss the awesome Carry On Choir performing in Victoria Park at 13.30 - Saturday 7th June Bideford Fair and The Mayor's Parade. Plus, the Waverley visit they are guaranteed to get you moving and singing along!
Welly Wanging
Carry On Choir
Welly Wanging! 11.15 am - come down and join the fun!
Bideford Fair and The Mayor's Parade. Plus, the Waverley visit
Saturday 7th June
Victoria Park, Bideford