Fun for all ages at Berwick St John Country Fayre

Over 20,000 visitors are expected to enjoy a “fantastic” weekend full of fun activities for all ages at Berwick St John Country Fayre this September whilst supporting the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

The fayre takes place over two days, from Saturday, September 14, to Sunday, September 15, and features steam engines, vintage tractors, a dog show, rural crafts, beer and tea tents, heavy horses, and classic cars. Southern Counties Auctioneers will also hold a live auction.

The bi-annual event, which draws in huge crowds from across the nation and beyond, is not just a fayre but a testament to the power of community. It is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, with the entire local community and village residents playing a crucial role in its success.

Secretary Louise Hall said: “The Fayre is a fantastic weekend full of things to see and do for all ages! From steam engines, military vehicles, classic cars, motorbikes, and trucks to trade stands, live music, dog shows, a bar selling local cider and more, as well as a lovely tea tent with homemade treasures, a great selection of food stalls and rural crafts, there is something for everyone!

“The Stars Appeal is a fantastic local charity, and we are so proud to support its work enhancing the care of hundreds of people every day at Salisbury Hospital, which so many of us involved in the Fayre and the local community have benefited from.”

The Berwick St John Country Fayre has been running every other year since 1992, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide variety of charities, including the Stars Appeal. In 2012, the fayre committed long-term support to the Stars Appeal. In 2022, the fayre raised £63,117.18—the largest amount of money raised in its 30-year history.

Dave Cates of the Stars Appeal added: “We are thrilled once again to be the beneficiary of this marvellous traditional country fayre and express our thanks to the Committee and all the other volunteers for making this possible. The money raised will help provide the best care for local people treated at Salisbury Hospital, from premature babies to our oldest patients. We encourage all our supporters to come along and enjoy a fabulous, fun-filled day out in the heart of the Dorset countryside.”

The money raised will go towards the £1million the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, aims to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital, including the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, hospital chaplaincy, support for patients with cancer, and the Stars Appeal Play Assistant on Sarum Children’s Ward.

The charity is also fundraising for six high-definition video scopes to help diagnose head and neck cancer more quickly, costing £115,000, and £50,000 to provide 36 ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs so that vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have a loved one stay by their side in comfort.

Gates open at 10 am. The fayre is located between Berwick St John village and the A30, SP7 0EX. Entry is by donation, with all profits going to the Stars Appeal. There is also a raffle. Ahead of the main fayre event, live music and a beer tent will be on Friday, September 13, from 6 pm to 11.30pm.

Berwick St John Country Fayre times:

Saturday, September 14, 10 am-11.30 pm

Sunday, September 15, 10 am-4 pm

To find out more, visit www.berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk