THIS year’s St Peter’s Fair, in Holsworthy, was blessed with good weather and large crowds.

St Peter’s Fair is steeped in tradition and this year the bread weighing ceremony and the Proclamation were well attended — proving the old traditions are still some of the best.

Many people came to the town’s Square each day to see the wealth of talent and entertainment on offer on the main stage, and there was a lot to see and do around the town with a number of exhibitions, displays and competitions keeping the crowds occupied.

The fair was founded under the patronage of the church of St Peter and St Paul in the late 13th century.

The annual event usually takes place during the first week in July and is one of the most popular events in the area.

Following the industrial revolution, the church’s influence on secular life began to diminish, however St Peter’s Fair originated from the rector Thomas Meyrick, of Carta Martha, near Launceston, who in 1841 proclaimed the choosing of the first ‘Fair Queen’ in his will — making St Peter’s Fair unlike any other.

The choosing of the fair queen, known as the Pretty Maid, continues to take place on the Wednesday of Fair week at the stroke of noon.

Rev Meyrick, who died on May 27, 1841, was the brother of the Rev Owen Meyrick, one time rector of Holsworthy. Under the terms of the will, the income from his legacy is to be paid annually to a single woman under the age of 30, who is a resident in Holsworthy and is most noted for her looks, quietness and attendance of church.

Along with traditions there were a number of competitions judged on Fair day, which all brought a bit of extra colour to the town. Mayor Jon Hutchings judged the competitions; they included the best dressed window competition, Holsworthy in Bloom and the best hanging basket and best business.

The results are as follows: Best Dressed Window — 1st place Thomas Westacott, 2nd place GSD Charity Shop, 3rd place British Hart Foundation charity shop; Holsworthy In Bloom — 1st place Mr Tonks, 2nd place Ms Hibbard, 3rd place Mrs Wyatt; Best Hanging Basket and Best Business — 1st place Kings Arms Public House, 2nd place Social Club, 3rd place Old Market.

Along with the traditional Furry Dance and fun fair in the Memorial carp ark the week was rounded off with a fantastic array of musical entertainment and a sparkling display of fireworks. All in all it was another successful year for Holsworthy’s St Peter’s Fair.