Downton Cuckoo Fair

That’s a wrap for 2026!

Thank you to all our visitors who turned out in force and braved the classic British weather, starting with bright sunshine and finishing up dancing in the rain!

Thank you to our stallholders and caterers who transformed our streets with your incredible crafts, local produce, and delicious food and drink, and whose pitch fees are invaluable in helping to cover the costs of putting on this event. And of course the Downton Cuckoo Fair Princess, the dancers, the bands and the entertainers, who had everyone smiling and singing.

A big thank you to our wonderful Downton community, residents and businesses. Although held primarily to help local community groups, charities and local businesses raise much needed funds, we are acutely aware that the Fair also brings noise and disruption. We are incredibly grateful for your patience and support. We are also grateful to the children of Downton Primary School, who designed the fantastic covers for our day leaflet.

A massive shout-out to our volunteers, who freely give us their time on the day of the event, and also bring their skills and creativity, and put in many hundreds of hours of planning to pull off one of Wiltshire’s largest and most popular free village events.

Fun Fact: Many of our volunteers walked well over 20,000 steps today – more than enough to get to Salisbury and back!

We would also like to thank the generosity of local business Toomers Ltd for once again sponsoring the Fair and providing the road barriers. Equally our thanks go to Batt Broadbent Solicitors who once again sponsored the printing of our Day Leaflet.

Want to get involved?

We rely entirely on volunteers, both on the day to help the fair run smoothly and safely, and many hundreds of hours spent throughout the year by the core team to plan and organise the event, traditionally held on the Saturday of the Early May Bank Holiday. We’re always on the lookout for more support, so if you want to help, please don’t hesitate to contact us and help make the magic happen!

Send us your Pics!

If you want to be featured on out gallery page, send your piccies to photos@cuckoofair.co.uk

And don’t forget to follow and tag us on socials! #cuckoofair / @downtoncuckoofair.

Stay Tuned!

Our volunteers will be doing the last bits of tidying up, reflecting on how the fair went, and then taking a well-earned rest to enjoy the summer. Check back in the autumn or keep an eye on our socials for news on the next Fair!

About the Fair

Held in Downton, south of Salisbury, the fair transforms the picturesque village into a pedestrian-only festival site offering fun for all the family:

• Shop and Feast. Browse over 250 stalls selling high-quality arts, crafts, local produce and gifts, plus savour street food and drinks from local artisans.
• Tradition & Music. Watch Maypole and Morris dancing, or dance and sing to live performances from local acts including our very own Downton Brass Band.
• Family Fun. Don’t miss our opening parade and crowning of the Cuckoo Fair Princess. And with fairground games, craft demonstrations, Punch and Judy shows and street performers, there’s something for everyone!

New for 2026 is our Party in the Park!
Head to the revamped memorial gardens for entertainment, food and shopping. Just look for the pink flags. Why not bring a picnic blanket or camping chair, and stay and soak up the atmosphere?

Don’t miss!
The Produce Market is tucked away behind the Co-op, offering a range of mouth-watering treats.

Plan your trip.
With ample parking provided by local organisations and community groups raising funds (£10 cash per vehicle), good transport links, and plenty to keep you entertained, why not support our village and join us for great day out?

Tips for enjoying your day.

• Please bring cash. Not all stallholders take cards, and mobile payment terminals aren’t always reliable. The cashpoint in the village centre will see long queues and may run out.
• Be prepared for the weather. Who doesn’t love the British climate? If it’s warm consider sunblock, a hat and some water, if not perhaps an umbrella or jacket!
• Think of children and pets. It’s a busy event so grab a wristband for your kids to help us locate you in case you get separated. You know if your pooch will be comfortable at a busy event, but whatever you decide, pets (and children!) should not be left in vehicles or the police may be called.

For more advice please visit our page Enjoying the fair.

The Cuckoo Fair is a volunteer-led, non-profit event, which helps local organisations, groups and charities raise much-needed funds. With no entry fee, our stallholders are invaluable in helping to cover the costs of putting on this event, so please support them!

Frequently Asked Questions