What is it?

The Milton Abbas Street Fair is an 18th Century themed fair to celebrate the village being built, over 225 years ago by Joseph Damer, to house the people evicted from the grounds of Milton Abbey.

To create an eighteenth-century festive atmosphere:

• homemade bunting is hung across and up and down The Street from hooks which are already installed just under the thatch.
• The Street is free of cars, residents move their cars to one of the temporary car parks for the day and the main street is closed to traffic.
• the cottage front lawns provide the perfect setting for stalls, entertainment and craft demonstrations.
• fantastic eighteenth-century costumes are worn by many residents, stallholders and some of the visitors also join in (there are costumes available to hire in advance).

Entertainment for children and adults is free all day with bands, musicians, Morris dancers, artists and traditional craft demonstrations. There is a wonderful selection of stalls, crafts, children activities, local ales and ciders, tasty food and local produce. The Street Fair is a highlight on Dorset events’ calendar attracting thousands of visitors.

When is it?

Milton Abbas Street Fair is held every two years on the nearest Saturday to St. Sampson's day, the 28th July. King Athelstan granted the charter for the market and fair in the old town of Middleton held on the Feast of St Sampson, the patron saint of the town. The next Street Fair will be held in July 2027.

How do I get in and out on the day?

You will be issued resident passes so you can easily pass through the entrance gates.

How is the money raised distributed?

The Street Fair Trust is a registered charity that distributes profits of the Street Fair. It is a members’ organisation and residents are encouraged to join by contacting the membership secretary Mr B. Isherwood.

Anyone can complete an application for funding to support a local community project or organisation. The Trustees have worked to make the application criteria and allocation transparent and welcome any feedback. Details of Trustee Minutes and allocations of previous projects supported are available on www.miltonabbasstreetfair.co.uk.

In addition to supporting local clubs and organisations, a donation is also made to a registered charity serving Dorset. This charity is chosen by the Members prior to each Street Fair.

Who organises it?

The event is run entirely by volunteers so you can really feel the strong community spirit. Old and young can try their hand at event organisation.  If you wish to be involved in organising or volunteering, please contact the Chair of the Organising Committee.

 

Milton Abbas Street Fair Trust (Reg. Charity No. 1162394)