Horncastle Horse Fair returns: A historic celebration with a modern twist
From shire horses to street performers - first held in 1229 the fair became one of the world’s largest
A centuries-old tradition returns to Horncastle this week, as the town revives its once world-famous Horse Fair with a festival blending heritage and arts.
First held in 1229, the Horncastle Horse Fair was, at its height in the 19th century, one of the largest in the world - drawing horse dealers from France, Germany, Italy and the United States.
After a 75 year absence, the fair was revived in 2023 and returns this year from 7 to 9 August, with events spread across Horncastle Community Centre, St Mary’s Church, and Banovallum House.
Visitors can expect a mix of market stalls, live music in a walled garden, dance performances, films, creative workshops, and even a comedy gymkhana.
Star of the show will be Bomber, a Shire horse who embodies the town’s equine heritage.
"It's very easy to get quite passionate about this kind of work because you can see it making a difference," said Simon Hollingworth, Creative Producer.
"You can see it raising how people feel about their life, about themselves, about their community, in a small way, but a significant way nonetheless."
Organisers say the festival isn’t just about nostalgia, but about reimagining local history in a way that connects with today’s audiences.
"It's not a horse fair, as they would have been. It was horse trading, and the streets would have been full of horses. It would have been quite dangerous," said Simon.
"It's a much more of a community engagement event. We've got performances, we've got music, we've got activities, we've got a procession.
"We use the phrase, it's celebrating our heritage, but it's creating new traditions, but it's about using that history and that heritage, which sometimes is a little bit hidden, and then turning that into something relevant and contemporary but fun."
The event has been brought to life by Session Arts, the Horncastle History and Heritage Society, the Town Council, and local volunteers - with funding from Arts Council England and East Lindsey District Council.