Findon Sheep Fair - 14 September 2013

The South Downs Folk Singers were delighted to have been asked to sing at Findon Sheep Fair - an ancient and traditional Sussex village festival and countryman's show. The weather was slightly cold and damp but it didn't seem to deter the large crowds who flocked to the event. About thirty of us gallant singers gathered at 1 o'clock in the main arena and gave brisk and spirited renditions of ten songs from our repertoire, ably led and introduced by Dave Garrard. After the appearance at the open air arena, we moved up the site to the livestock area and sang three more songs to the sheep handlers and the poultry fanciers!

Songs sung included Drink Me Brave Boys, Rolling in the Dew, Rosebuds in June, Shepherd of the Downs, Three Maidens, Life of a Man, The Ebernoe Horn Fair Song, Twanky Dillo, On Sussex Hills, Fathom the Bowl and The West Sussex Drinking Song. The songs were very well received and generated much interest in our singing group, together with some CD sales (Hurrah! - ed.). From our point of view, the day was a complete success as for many of us living and working in Sussex all our lives, this was the first time we had ever visited the Sheep Fair! We'll definitely be going again!

Dave Garrard

photo courtesy of Angela Barber

photo courtesy of Angela Barber

photo courtesy of Angela Barber

photo courtesy of Angela Barber

photo courtesy of Peter Bohannon

photo courtesy of Peter Bohannon