A 750-Year-Old Tradition Continues in Hampshire
Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Location: The Square, Wickham, Hampshire, UK
One of Britain’s oldest and most iconic traditional events is set to return: the Wickham Horse Fair 2025 will take place on Tuesday 20th May – continuing a remarkable history that spans over 750 years.
Travellers Arrive Ahead of the Fair
This week, dozens of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families have already begun arriving in Hampshire in anticipation of the event. Caravans were spotted at Greta Park in Hedge End, roughly six miles from Wickham, highlighting the early preparations and long-standing excitement surrounding the fair.
Despite some early tension regarding park access, the energy in the region signals the return of a vibrant cultural tradition that dates back to 1269, when Roger De Syres received a royal charter from King Henry III to hold a weekly market. Over the centuries, this grew into the Wickham Horse Fair we know today.
A Gathering of Horses, Culture & Community
Held annually (unless May 20th falls on a Sunday), the fair is a major date in the Gypsy and Traveller calendar, where families come to trade horses, reconnect with loved ones, and celebrate heritage. Streets will be temporarily closed, and the town will transform with funfairs, burger vans, traditional stalls, and the unmistakable sound of hooves echoing through Wickham.
In previous years, the fair has featured horses being paraded and raced through town, drawing large crowds. Last year’s fair, while lively, was met with concerns about animal welfare, prompting the presence of RSPCA officers and increased police monitoring to ensure public safety and responsible conduct.
A Look Back
Though cancelled officially in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19, the fair never truly stopped — as up to 150 people still gathered in 2021 to honor the tradition informally. The official return in 2022 and subsequent years has reaffirmed Wickham’s enduring cultural significance.
Important Reminders:
- Road closures will be in place around Wickham Square
- Local shops and pubs may close for the day
- Expect increased traffic and crowd control measures
- As always, attendees are urged to respect the local community, event rules, and animal welfare standards
Wickham Horse Fair is more than just an event — it’s a living tradition, a gathering of generations, and a powerful reminder of the UK’s rich and diverse cultural fabric. All eyes are on Wickham this May as it once again becomes the beating heart of a centuries-old custom.