A last burst of summer sunshine has welcomed the return of Bridgwater's historic annual fair for its 777th year, bringing four days of rides, markets and long-standing traditions to town.
The event officially opened on Wednesday, September 30, and will continue until Saturday, October 3, with West Street filled with independent traders and St Matthew's Field once again home to a large funfair.
Bridgwater Fair is the largest of it's kind in the South West region and dates back to 1249, with tens of thousands of visitors expected from across Somerset and the wider area.
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Fair brings the "Bridgwater spirit" to town
Mayor of Bridgwater Councillor Leigh Redman officially opened the fair alongside representatives from the Showmen's Guild and Bridgwater Town Council.
Mayor Redman said: "Bridgwater Fair is an integral part of what Bridgewater is. It's been going now for more than 700 years.
"It's an opportunity for the community to come together. You've got all the stalls up through West Street, you've then got the big fair at the top of the hill."
Mr Redman, who also serves as a Labour councillor, explained: "Wednesday used to be cattle market day in Bridgwater many years ago, but we still have another market on the back of the fair field. So all day today and all through the week, we've got what I call the Bridgwater spirit, and the fact that the sun's shining is even better."
He added: "Now that Bridgwater Town Council is the council that organises the fair, puts all the work in, and it's important to say thank you to the team for doing that.
"People forget that there's lots of planning and organisation that goes on to this and Bridgwater Town Council is the one that brings it to Bridgwater."
Fair revives centuries-old Somerset traditions
Alongside the fairground attractions, the traditional West Street Market sees dozens of independent traders selling their wares, while the annual Horse Fair and Market took place on Wednesday, continuing a custom that stretches back centuries.
The fair's roots can be traced to 1249, making it one of the oldest surviving fairs in the country.
Originally held in the centre of Bridgwater, it became so popular that it was moved to St Matthew's Field and West Street more than 600 years ago. The royal charter for the fair was renewed in 1613.
What began as a major trading event for livestock, goods and employment has gradually evolved into the large-scale funfair and goods market enjoyed by visitors today. You can find more information about visiting Bridgwater Fair 2026 here.
Over the centuries, thousands of sheep, horses and ponies were bought and sold at the event, while generations of Somerset residents used the fair as an opportunity to meet friends, find work and stock up on goods.
Today, although the livestock trade has largely disappeared, the fair remains one of the biggest dates in Bridgwater's calendar, drawing crowds of thousands from across Somerset and ever further for rides, food, shopping and entertainment.
The fair is open until Saturday, with organisers urging visitors to use designated car parks and be considerate of residents living near the site.
Opening times are:
- Thursday, October 1: 1pm to 11pm
- Friday, October 2: 1pm to 11.30pm
- Saturday, October 3: 11am to 11pm
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