Sheep fair still going strong after 788 years

A sheep fair is being staged for the 788th time.

Magna Carta was still in living memory when King Henry III granted a royal charter for the Corby Glen Sheep Fair, in southern Lincolnshire, in 1238.

The modern-day event, which runs until Sunday, still features a sheep auction, alongside trades stalls, a funfair and live music.

James Thompson, the festival's secretary, said: "We do have a live auction and there will be trucks arriving on Saturday morning full of sheep for sale, but obviously not in the tens of thousands anymore as it would have been in its heyday."

Thompson believes the event, though to be the oldest of its kind in the UK, has run consistently over the centuries, unlike some ancient fairs which came to an end before being revived many years later.

He puts the success down to community spirit that brings the village, near Bourne, together.

"It's a community-run event, completely manned and staffed by volunteers from the village.

"Morris dancers, local dance academy, the primary school are involved, the secondary school are involved."

Thompson estimated the numbers of sheep involved this year to be in the high hundreds or low thousands.

He said thousands of visitors were expected over the course of the weekend.

The event will also feature classic cars, dog shows, a craft competition, farmers' market and more.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

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