Horsmonden Fair 2026 by Dee Cooper

A traditional gathering, Horsmonden Fair is like no other.

A place where generations come together, where old ways live on, and familiar faces become part of the fabric of the day.

There is something special about a fair that carries history with it — a sense of belonging, family, friendship, and a connection to the past.

Horsmonden Fair is more than a gathering. It is part of our heritage, our memories, and our story.

Today, 13th September 2026, was no different.

A gentle Sunday morning beginning, with stalls setting up, horse boxes arriving, and families enjoying the process. It wasn’t long before the tea urns were in action, and cake and custard were warming the bellies of the families who had come to gather for the day.

The seafood stall had quite the queue, serving up fresh and tasty delights. There was a beautiful array of harness and horse wares, alongside the familiar faces of Shirley and Alan and their beautiful stall.

Children dressed in pretty smock dresses, and the Rolls‑Royce of prams being pushed by doting mums, gave the day a timeless feel.

Strong, firm, muscular horses in a multitude of colours added such a strength to the day.

Horses neighed and men chattered. Deals were done, while the happy faces of chavvies playing brought the fair to life. A young lad playing with his newly purchased Jack Russell was loving every moment of its playful charm. The pride on his face said it all as he enjoyed his new friend.

The sun came in and out, and even with the noise of chatter and the laughter of children, there was a peace — a stillness.

Myself, John from the Romany Heritage Facebook page, and photographer Eszter Halasi sat beneath the shade of the vast acorn tree, relaxing in the charm of the day.

A small space, filled with nostalgia. A beautiful step back in time.

And just as it was set up, it naturally came to the end of the day, with less chatter, a sense of calmness, and the clean‑up of the field — like we were never there.

Well done to the organisers, the stallholders, and all who attended, helping to keep our heritage alive and thriving, the old‑school way.

Long may this beautiful fair continue to have something so special about it — something that keeps bringing back all those who hold it dear.

Dee Cooper for Travellers Times

Photos by Eszter Halasi