Countdown is on to the Berwick St John Country Fayre in Aid of the Stars Appeal

Friday, 4 September 2026 05:30

By Niamh Cunningham

Berwick St John Country Fayre returns 19 and 20 September in aid of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital's Charity.

The fayre features steam engines, vintage tractors, dog show, rural crafts, beer and tea tents, heavy horses and classic cars. A live auction held by Southern Counties Auctioneers will also take place.

Ahead of the main event, there will be an evening of live music on Friday 18 September with a beer tent which will be open from 6pm to 11.30pm.

The biennial event attracts huge crowds from across the country. It is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, with the local community and village residents getting involved.

Show Secretary Louise Hall said: “The Berwick St John Country Fayre brings people together to celebrate the very best of the countryside and rural traditions. We're delighted to once again support the Stars Appeal, a charity that touches the lives of so many people in our community. Whether you're coming to see the steam engines, vintage tractors, heavy horses, classic cars, dog show or live auction, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. We hope visitors will join us for a fantastic family day out and help raise funds to support patients and their families at Salisbury District Hospital.”

The money raised will go towards the £2 million the Stars Appeal hopes to secure this year to fund projects across Salisbury Hospital. These include new equipment, such as a mammogram machine for the Breast Unit, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across the hospital, including support for people with cancer, a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Unit, and the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi.

The Berwick St John Country Fayre has been running since 1992 and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide variety of charities over the years, before committing long-term support to the Stars Appeal in 2012.

The 2024 event raised a record-breaking £100,000 for the charity.

The gates open from 10am on both Saturday and Sunday, and it is located between Berwick St John village and the A30, SP7 0EX.

Entry is by donation with all profits going to the Stars Appeal.

To find out more visit www.berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk