Callington Honey Fair

What’s it all about?

Callington Honey Fair is one of the largest street fairs in Cornwall, with hundreds of people visiting the Town to enjoy the one day event. The modern-day fair is held annually on the first Wednesday in October and each year has a unique theme. That same theme is used for the Shop Window Competition and the Children’s Art Competition, which attracts entries from eleven primary schools in the region.

What happens?

As the only town in Cornwall that still retains a Honey Fair, the streets of Callington are given over to craft stalls, a Town Crier competition,  live music, a fun fair and those all important honey competitions. Always a friendly community event, many local charities and organisations participate and the Town’s churches join in with exhibitions.

How can you take part?

Callington Town Hall is used for the central thrust of the fair where you’ll find the traditional honey and honey products competitions. The Town Hall also hosts the now famous Honey Fair cream teas (Teas with the Bees), organised by the Callington Lions Club ladies and friends. Refreshments are also available from the two churches and various catering outlets in the Town.

Did you know?

It is not certain when Callington’s Honey Fair was first established but in 1267, the Town was granted a market charter by Henry III which gave permission for a weekly market and annual fair. Although towns in Wales have similar fairs dating back 700 years, it seems that the Callington Honey Fair was actually established in the latter half of the 19th century.