Downton Cuckoo Fair

Join us on Saturday 2nd May 2026 for one of Wiltshire’s largest and most popular free village events!

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-o, 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?

The countdown is on!

Thank you to our sponsors

We would 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 are again sponsoring the printing of our Day Leaflet.

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!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions