Strawberry Fair

What it is

Strawberry Fair is a one-day festival of music, arts, crafts and food on Midsummer Common. Entry is free, and the fair is run by volunteers. It is funded through year-round fundraising, traders and donations, and it has no main stage as such: one area is chosen each year to host the finale. More than 30,000 people attend, and the fair has around 300 stalls.

History

The first fair was held in 1974, and it has been held in most years since. It was cancelled in 2010 because of licensing issues, which led to the perimeter fence and checkpoints in use since 2011, and it did not run in 2020, 2021 or 2025.

What to expect

The day begins with a parade in costume, with samba bands, which sets off from Christ's Pieces and goes round the city to Midsummer Common, where its arrival opens the fair. There are several music stages, with local bands given preference, a children's area, an arts area and a choice of food and goods stalls. The site is fenced, bags are searched on entry, and glass, barbecues and camping are not allowed, so read the organisers' guidance before you go. There are pedestrian entrances from Maid's Causeway, Victoria Avenue Bridge, Jesus Green and Walnut Tree Avenue, and arriving on foot, by bicycle or by public transport is recommended, since there is no parking on site apart from limited disabled spaces.

When it happens

Strawberry Fair takes place on the first Saturday in June. Strawberry Fair publishes the theme, line-up, stage times and entrance arrangements.