Southwold is a town with a fascinating history and tradition and one of those traditions is the celebration of the town’s independence.

In 1489 King Henry VII granted Southwold a charter, releasing it from legal obligations to the Crown. This charter enabled the town to own property and to hold two weekly markets and two annual fairs – Trinity and Bartholomew.

The town’s markets are still going strong to this day, so too are the fairs, in fact this year the fun fair arrives on 26th May and will open to the public on 29th May from midday to 8pm. It will then close to the public on 5th June and leave on 6th June 2021.

The fair sets up on South Green, adjacent to the Red Lion pub and just down the hill from Gun Hill. With all the usual rides, games and food stalls it’s fun for all the family.

Part of the tradition of the fair is that the town Charter is read aloud by the town crier. This will take place on Thursday 3rd June (subject to Covid restrictions), time tbc.