Residents of the typically tranquil Hampshire village of Wickham have secured their properties as hundreds of travellers converge for the annual horse fair, a tradition stretching back 750 years. The Wickham Horse Fair occurs every May 20, drawing Gypsy and Roma travellers to the village near Portsmouth for a day of trading horses and ponies, accompanied by parades through the streets before large crowds.
Historical Origins
The event traces its roots to the 13th century when Roger De Syres obtained a royal charter from King Henry III to hold a weekly market in the village centre. Despite its long history, the fair has faced criticism in recent years due to the treatment of horses, with some animals having to be euthanised after being raced down the streets.
Arrival and Preparations
Groups began arriving on Wednesday morning, with travellers, dozens of horses, and even dogs lining the closed-off streets of Wickham. Images captured youngsters arriving on horseback or in pony and trap. The fair effectively brings the village to a standstill, prompting the local council to advise drivers to use alternative routes, as many main roads will remain closed until Thursday morning.
The A334, A32, and busy Fareham and Winchester Roads are among those shut, along with diversions for several popular bus routes. Shops and pubs typically close for the raucous event, with owners acknowledging it 'isn't worth the effort' given the village's focus on the fair.
Local Business Impact
Traditionally, the local butchers was one of the few stores to remain open, but last year it decided to close. Manager Ben told the Daily Mail in May 2025: 'We're not opening this year no. We just don't have the staff and it isn't really worth the effort. We would if we could, there hasn't been trouble for years.' Fun fairs, burger vans, and other stalls, however, set up to capitalise on the historic day, which has been celebrated 'every year' with no signs of ending.
Community Reactions
The event has sparked mixed reactions among locals. One resident said: 'I don't like it and I don't go. I just stay in and shut my doors and windows. I seal in for it. They shut down everything. It's getting smaller thankfully, we just avoid it, it's not something I want to be involved in. People have things go missing afterwards apparently but who knows if that's connected.'
However, some residents welcome the travellers each year, adopting a 'it is what it is' attitude. One local living near the action told the Mail: 'It's been here for hundreds of years! We normally go away for it, prior to that we've been in the thick of it. But I enjoy watching it, yes I have to move my car, but that's fine. Yes you occasionally get a few unsavoury characters turning up, but that's by the by. They've always been good to me!'
Past Controversies and Bans
The launch of the event traditionally involves horses being raced down the streets of Wickham, while others are paraded through the town, including small ponies. In 2020 and 2021, the event was banned due to lockdown restrictions. However, in 2021, up to 150 people reportedly turned up, a move condemned by police and angry business owners. Despite this, the fair continues to be a longstanding tradition in the village.
