Widecombe Fair takes place annually on the second Tuesday in September, attracting thousands of visitors to the tiny Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends.
The event was first held in 1850, described in the Plymouth Gazette as ‘a cattle fair’, although it soon became an opportunity to show and sell other livestock - particularly locally-bred sheep and Dartmoor ponies.
Today, the fair still features displays of quality livestock, although its attractions are far more wide ranging. They include: a dog show, gymkhana, displays of local produce, vintage machinery, rural arts and crafts, bale tossing and tug of war, plus a traditional appearance by Uncle Tom Cobley himself - featuring a local resident in fancy dress, riding a grey mare.
