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, 15, and features steam engines, vintage tractors, a dog show, rural crafts, beer and tea tents, heavy horses and classic cars. Plus, there is a live auction held by Southern Counties Auctioneers.

The biennial event attracts huge crowds from across the country and even further afield. It is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, with the entire local community and village residents getting involved.

Show 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, 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 to once again 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 very best care for local people being 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 10am. 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, there will be live music and a beer tent on Friday, September 13, from 6pm to 11.30pm.