Well, it's all over for another year - the ducks are resting, the maypole dancers are resting, the organisers are definitely resting !!
It was a great day, the car park was full, the streets were thronged and the refreshment outlets did a roaring trade. The weather
was kind allowing everyone to enjoy all the activities, the music, the games, the shopping opportunities and all
the food and drink on offer.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the event - many, many people, helping out in all sorts of ways, before, during and
afterwards, we couldn't do it without you. The latest figures indicate a record year again, with over £13,000 raised, to be split between the Braunston church
repair fund, the Mount Group Riding for the Disabled branch, and the Oliver Liddar Foundation. A fantastic result although as fayre chairman Simon Phillips says,
'It's great to raise funds for our causes, but the event is not just about the money, it's also about bringing the community together and putting a smile on people's faces.'
If you weren't there just look below to see what you missed!
May Fayre
Monday May 4th 2026 10am - 4pm
The Braunston May Fayre - 2026
Our peaceful and picturesque village will once again be transformed into a lively whirl of activity with a thriving street market, children's fairground rides, duck racing, family games, a craft market in the church, Games on the Green outside the Village Hall including a bouncy castle, coconut shy, skittles and who knows what else.
Win, win, win
There will be two tombolas, one for adults and a sweets tombola for children, and a grand raffle with some superb and valuable prizes, all of which have kindly been donated by
local people or companies. Top prizes include:
- £125 for dinner for two with wine at No.23 in Uppingham, donated by No. 23
- £100 voucher for Hambleton Hall, donated by Top555
- Fortnum & Mason Hamper champagne and cream tea hamper, donated by James Sellicks Estate Agents Ltd
- £100 voucher for the Olive Branch, donated by Carol Key Business Support Services
- £100 voucher for Hitchens Barn, donated by Nick Young
Eat and drink
Throughout the day, there will be food and refreshments available, including offerings from Farmer Lou, The Chilli Guys, Gino's Ice Cream, The Milkshake Shack, and much more. The Blue Ball will be open for drinks and Punjabi street food, and the village hall will serve teas and coffees, sandwiches and, of course, Braunston's delicious home-baked cakes.
Entertainment and events
There will be live music, dance performances, craft market stalls, funfair rides for the children, and so much more!
The Street Stage has various events scheduled throughout the day. This year we have the fantastic Uppingham Jazz and Soul Band, guaranteed to get your feet tapping, plus sessions from local band Parafinalien, and dance sessions from the RYDA ( Rutland Youth Dance Academy) outside the Blue Ball.
The ever-popular Canine Fun Day and Dog Show will take place in an enclosed area near the village hall. Everyone is encouraged to bring their four-legged friend and take part in what has always been a high point of the day, with tasty prizes for the competitors and glory for the owners.
Throughout the day the famous Braunston Duck Racing event will be held at the river, with the Quack National
paddling taking place at 2.30pm. The ducks are already in training !
Welfare note - No ducks will be harmed in this event. Thank you for your attention to this matter
The crowning of the May Queen will take place on the stage at 12.45pm, followed by the May Queen Procession at 1pm. Then as the day draws to a close there will be maypole dancing outside the Blue Ball at 3.15, and finally the Grand Raffle Draw at 3.45 at the Village Hall.
Charities
All money raised at the May Fayre goes back into the community, and our May Fayre charities this year are the Braunston Church Repair Fund, the Mount Group RDA, and the Oliver Liddar Foundation.
Parking
As in previous years, the main streets will be coned off and parking will be available at the edge of the village for just £2 all day.
The main car park will be along Brooke Rd, on the left hand side as you exit the village. To minimise traffic congestion we ask that you approach the car park by driving down Church St and left into Brooke Rd, and when leaving, if you are going towards Oakham, by turning left out of the car park and back via Brooke Rd rather than through the village.
( what3words reference is branching.culling.clashes ).
Free parking for Blue Badge holders will be available in the usual place in Hanbury Gardens, along Church St, and parking for stallholders will be on the Brooke Road playing field - just follow the signs.
Street and Church Stalls
Cedar St will play host to a wide variety of street stalls, and talented local enterprises will be showcasing their wares on the Craft Market inside the church. Bookings for stalls are now being taken; if you would like a Street Stall or a Craft Stall in the church , please contact Angela at angela@thelashbrooks.co.uk
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Willing volunteers needed !
We are, of course, always looking for volunteers to help make the day a success. If you're in the village and would like to help out, either in the pre-fayre organisation, or on the day itself, please get in touch . It's a great way to meet people and get involved in village life. Whatever your skills, we have something for you; baking cakes, drumming up raffle prizes, helping with the car park, putting up posters, running the skittles, serving teas, rescuing the ducks and so much more.
The Braunston May Day tradition dates back many years – this is the May Queen and her attendants back in 1925 . . . .
. . . . and the tradition continues to this day