Widecombe Fair takes place on Tuesday 14 September 2027 - the second Tuesday of September each year - in the beautiful Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. The fair runs from 9am until late and continues a tradition established in the early 1800s as a rural market for sheep, cattle and ponies.
Although livestock trading no longer takes place, the fair remains a real farmers’ fair and a showcase for local, traditional and agricultural life. Organised entirely by volunteers, the event raises money for local charities while providing a great day out for locals and visitors alike.
Visitor information
Date: Tuesday 14 September 2027, 9am until late.
Venue: Fair Field in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, a sheltered valley on the east side of Dartmoor between Bovey Tracey and Ashburton.
Admission: Tickets available at the gate. Parking charges apply - check the official website for current prices.
Getting there: Widecombe-in-the-Moor sits on narrow Dartmoor lanes. Road closures are in place on Fair Day. Follow signs and steward directions. Arrive early or use park-and-ride if available.
Programme: A 60-page souvenir programme (£4) is available from sellers around the village and on the Fair Field. It includes a complete timetable, map and background on all events, plus the full words and music to “Widecombe Fair” folk song.
What to see
The fair features well-turned-out horses and ponies, local handicrafts, Devon Axe Team demonstrations, vintage cars and machinery, terrier racing, the Dartmoor Hill Pony Display Team, family dog show, town crier competition, bale tossing, tug of war and the infamous Uncle Tom Cobley Novelty Race down the main slope.
Live music plays throughout the day, with Morris dancers, organ recitals in St Pancras Church, and a beer tent. Food stalls and craft traders operate across the Fair Field. Children’s activities run all day, and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team give demonstrations.
The song
The fair is famous for the folk song “Widecombe Fair” (also known as “Tom Pearce, Tom Pearce”) about Uncle Tom Cobley and his companions riding a grey mare to the fair. The song names Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan’l Whiddon, Harry Hawke and Uncle Tom Cobley, all real people from the area, and the tune has become an unofficial Devon anthem.
Where to stay
Widecombe-in-the-Moor has limited accommodation. Browse places to stay on Dartmoor and in nearby towns such as Bovey Tracey, Ashburton and Newton Abbot, and book well in advance for Fair Day.
