The small village of Barford St Martin is helping to revitalise this wonderful traditional village fete and has stepped up to the challenge of organising an action-packed village Fete on 20th June, starting at 12:30 pm.
Barford’s fete promises to be an extravaganza of entertainment, delicious home-made cakes, beautiful plants, music, hand-made crafts and the now famous Duck Race on the river Nadder.
There will be lots of children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle, a coconut shy, and more. A pay bar run by the Barford Inn will provide beer and wine, and a delicious BBQ will also be available.
The fete is being officially opened by renowned local author Mark Dawson,
The Fete is being held on Saturday, 20th June 2026, running from 12:30 to 4:30 pm.
This spectacular day out is being organised by the Barford St Martin Community Fund, which raises funds for the benefit of the village and the local environment. Stephanie Wheatley, one of the organisers of the fete, said, “The Barford St Martin Fete is guaranteed to be a fantastic day out for all the family.”
Stephanie continues, “We are delighted that the fete will be officially opened by popular local author Mark Dawson, who once lived in Barford St Martin and frequently includes well-known local areas in his books. Mark will be signing his books on the day, and this could include the new one that is due to be published soon.”
Another exciting addition to the Fete will be the appearance of well-known DJ Kevin Lawrence, from Radio Odstock, who will be coming live from the event and will be interviewing visitors and exhibitors on air throughout the day.
In the Fete’s main arena, entertainment will be provided by groups such as Fieldtastic from Chilmark, who will encourage family pooches to show off their skills in dog agility, a fun scurry run, as well as a mini obstacle-based challenge. Aspire Martial Arts from Salisbury are also appearing in the arena and will demonstrate the energetic skills needed for Taekwondo and Modern-day Kickboxing.
The popular duck race along the River Nadder always attracts a huge crowd keen to bet on the likely winning duck. A cash prize will be up for grabs. In total, 150 yellow ducks will be released into the river as part of this thrilling competition. It will be quite a spectacle, and the excitement palpable.
The Cranborne Chase National Landscape will have a display highlighting their work in the designated Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB). While local charity the Alabaré Development Centre will be selling a range of ceramic, woodwork and vegetables grown and made by their various clients.
The Barford St Martin Fete is being held on Saturday 20 June 2026 in the recreation ground in Duck Lane, Barford St Martin SP3 4AN from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Signs will signify parking areas.
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