Colyford: A linear village in East Devon
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Colyford Goose Fayre 27th September 2025
Colyford Goose Fayre began in 1208, Thomas Basett, who was responsible for founding the Borough of Colyford, obtained a grant for a seven day fair from King John. Historically, it would have been a livestock fair taking place annually at Michaelmas probably until the late nineteenth century.
The Colyford Goose Fayre was revived by Colin Pady in 1980 and is held on the last Saturday of September. Since when it has been bringing the community together through a celebration of traditional heritage and entertainment.
Proceedings commence with a colourful procession of villagers and friends dressed in Medieval costume. Musicians and dancers lead the procession, headed by the Mayor and Burgesses, through to Springfield.
Goods are sold under tents, and various produce is available- honey, pottery, leather and of course beer, tea, cakes and the ever popular ram roast.
Medieval style skills of metalwork, falconry, thatching and archery are displayed. Children enjoy trying their luck with traditional games, the quintain and greasy pole, as well as entertainment from storytellers Punch and Judy.
Performances include Morris dancing, musicians with Medieval tabor pipe and drum, and the drama of the traditional Mummers Play.
Any profits from the fayre go to local groups and organisations as well as ensuring funds to stage the following years event.
We take pride in our dedication to creating a memorable experience for all who join us, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next Goose Fayre.
The Colyford Goose Fayre was revived by Colin Pady in 1980 and is held on the last Saturday of September. Since when it has been bringing the community together through a celebration of traditional heritage and entertainment.
Proceedings commence with a colourful procession of villagers and friends dressed in Medieval costume. Musicians and dancers lead the procession, headed by the Mayor and Burgesses, through to Springfield.
Goods are sold under tents, and various produce is available- honey, pottery, leather and of course beer, tea, cakes and the ever popular ram roast.
Medieval style skills of metalwork, falconry, thatching and archery are displayed. Children enjoy trying their luck with traditional games, the quintain and greasy pole, as well as entertainment from storytellers Punch and Judy.
Performances include Morris dancing, musicians with Medieval tabor pipe and drum, and the drama of the traditional Mummers Play.
Any profits from the fayre go to local groups and organisations as well as ensuring funds to stage the following years event.
We take pride in our dedication to creating a memorable experience for all who join us, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next Goose Fayre.
Colyford Village
Colyford is a village on the A3052 Lyme Regis to Exeter road, situated mid-way between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth. Seaton, and the coast, are around 1.5 miles to the south whilst the small town of Colyton is around half a mile away inland. Colyford has a population of around 800, while Colyton's is around 2,300.
King John granted Sir Thomas Basset a Colyford fayre, lasting 7 days at Michaelmas in 1207. Later, after several successful fayres, Sir Thomas Bassett founded the Borough of Colyford in 1225, under the reign of Henry III.
All residents over the age of 18 are Burgesses of the village. The village continues to elect a Mayor and a Burgesses' Committee. Their main role is to promote the strong sense of community within the village and build the social scene that is centred around the Memorial Hall.
The Burgesses' Committee and other volunteer Burgesses from other committees in the village hold a number of very well attended events throughout the year, including the Michaelmas Goose Fayre and Mayoral Procession, the Beating of the Bounds walk and the Mayors Supper to name but a few. As the borough is 800 years old in 2025 a number of special events are being organised to mark this occasion.
All details of these events and more information about the Burgesses Committee can be found at
https://colyford-pc.gov.uk/ancient-borough-of-colyford/
In 2023, the Colyford Parish Council was founded and volunteers from the Parish were elected to become Councillors, representing the Colyford residents, also known as Burgesses. More information about the Parish Council and it's work in the community can be found at https://colyford-pc.gov.uk
From there you can subscribe to Parish Council updates that will come directly to your inbox, with other relevant information about events and news in the village.
Colyford has a chapel-of-ease, dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels, also a village Post Office, a Butchers, and two Pubs, The Wheelwright and the White Hart. The former petrol station is now a listed building and houses a café.
Colyford Village Information
Another attraction of the village is the Tramway that runs along part of the discontinued railway branch line. Nowadays trams run from Seaton to Colyton. Very popular with tourists, the Tramway runs a regular service from Spring to Autumn.
It is generally agreed that Colyford is a very friendly and agreeable place to live and visit.
Although unconnected with this site there is also a web site for Colyton here.
If you are not familiar with the village and coming this way see our visitors guide here