Excitement is continuing to mount for this year’s Honiton Market Charter Day, to be held on Saturday July 31.

If anything, the government’s announcement of a four-week delay to the final unlocking of restrictions has made the organisers even more determined to put on a fantastic show.

They want to make Charter Day a celebration of Honiton and all that it means to everyone.
In what promises to be a great day out after a long and difficult year, there will be a host of activities, including a falconry display, a tractor and classic car run and a medieval encampment at Allhallows. For this special event marking the 800thanniversary of the Honiton Fair, Charter Day will even include a battle re-enactment.

The chairman of the organising committee, Terry Darrant, said: “Our theme this year is ‘Medieval to Tudor’, and we're going to have lots of entertainment in keeping with that theme.”
All the traditional favourites are back, including performances by Honiton Gymnastics Club, a hog roast and a host of charity stalls. One of the highlights will be a fun dog show, which this year contains an extra-special class, for owners dressed as their dog’s favourite treat. Booking is from 10 a.m. on the day, and there are classes for everyone. All entrants win a rosette.
The High Street will be a hive of activity all day, with live music outside St. Paul’s Church and entertainment on the corner of New Street.

Terry explained: “We've also been lucky enough to have many of the shops agree to specially dress their windows (and themselves), so we hope everyone will take the time to visit the High Street on the day.”

Organisers also hope that as many people as possible coming to Charter Day will dress up according to the theme.

Honiton has had a flourishing weekly street market since 1257. The market was established when King Henry III granted the town a royal charter. It continues to be operated under the charter, which is currently held by the Town Council on a 250-year lease from the Lord of the Manor.
Ever since the 750th anniversary in 2007, Charter Day has commemorated the granting of the market’s ancient rights, as well as giving the community of Honiton a chance to come together to celebrate what makes the town special.
Everyone is warmly invited to come along and enjoy a great day out in Honiton on July 31st.