Category: Attractions

  • Live Music (for free) and Food – All Day and Evening

    Live Music (for free) and Food – All Day and Evening

    Why leave when the music keeps playing? From 11.30am right through to 11.00pm, the Rowlands Castle Village Fair offers a full day and evening of free live entertainment. Whether you’re coming for the brass band, Forever Queen or DJ Loz, you’ll find plenty of food and drink to keep you going too, with options for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike.

    So settle in, relax and enjoy the fair for as long as you like.

    Music all day

    Village Fair Live acts
    • 11.30am Blendworth Brass Band
    • 12.45pm Victory Morris Men
    • 1.30pm Velvet Whiskers
    • 2.45pm Alice Milburn
    • 4.00pm Marley Blandford
    • 5.15pm AstroModa
    • 6.30pm The Generation Game
    • 8.00pm Forever Queen
    • 10.00pm DJ Loz

    Food and drink options

    The Village Fair BBQ will be serving burgers and hot dogs from Treagust butchers, in buns from Westbourne bakery.

    Vegetarian options are also available; veggie burgers and veggie sausages, which are also suitable for vegans.

    Our popular chicken and chorizo paella will be served from mid-afternoon until it’s gone—so don’t leave it too late!

    Ritas Pizza van

    As the evening entertainment gets underway, Rita’s Pizzas will be firing up the oven with freshly made pizzas for meat lovers, vegetarians and pescatarians

    And the BBQ options will also be available in the evening.

    Drinks at the Village Fair bar

    Need something to wash it all down? The Village Fair Bar will be serving…

    • Lager, real ale and cider on tap
    • Low alcohol choices
    • Pimms
    • Aperol Spritz
    • Wines
    • Soft drinks
    • Bottled Water – also available from the BBQ

    Coffee and cakes

    Available from Our Little Place – a vintage coffee trailer run by Lisa – serving a selection of hot and cold drinks and cakes.

    Our Little Place

    And don’t forget there will be other food & drink options around the green:

    • Ice cream van
    • Slushies
    • Confectionary
    • Home baked produce at the WI stall
    • Refreshments at the Church on the Green
    • Local pubs – The Robin Hood and The Castle Inn
    • The Bumble Bee cafe

    See you on the Green!

    With 11½ hours of free entertainment, fantastic food and drink, and something happening from morning until late evening, there’s every reason to spend the whole day at the Rowlands Castle Village Fair.

    Bring your family, bring your friends—and stay as long as you like. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Merrid – Sponsors of the village fair bar

    Merrid – Sponsors of the village fair bar

    We would like to thank Merrid for their longtime sponsorship of the Village Fair Bar. Their generous support over the years has helped make the bar a beloved mainstay of our village fair. We’re incredibly grateful for Merrid’s continued partnership and are looking forward to an amazing day together. See you there!

    #RowlandsCastleVillageFair #rowlandscastle

  • The Castle Inn – Sponsors of the BBQ

    The Castle Inn – Sponsors of the BBQ

    Not long to go until this year’s Rowlands Castle Village Fair! Saturday 4th July — we’re hoping for glorious weather so everyone can make the most of the day and share in the fun together. ☀️🎡

    A big mention to Maysie and her fantastic team at The Castle Inn for sponsoring the Barbecue and for all your support throughout the year. Your generosity helps us bring the community together with great food, good friends, and memorable moments. 🍖🍔🍻

    We can’t wait to see you there — bring family, friends, and your village spirit!

    #rowlandscastle #VillageFair #CommunitySponsors #Thecastleinn #BBQ #FamilyFun #RowlandsCastleVillageFair

  • Quay Building Services – Sponsors of the Fairground rides

    Quay Building Services – Sponsors of the Fairground rides

    A huge shout-out and heartfelt thanks to Quay Building Services for sponsoring this year’s children’s rides! 🎉🚀

    Your support helps us keep rides affordable for all the local kids, staying true to the heart of why our village fair began. Because of partners like you, every child can enjoy a magical day out with friends and family.

    Rides on offer:

    • Bungee trampoline
    • Tea Cup Ride
    • Chair-O-Plane
    • Bouncy Castles
    • Slides

    All rides just £1 each!

    Thank you, Quay Building Services, for helping us put smiles on young faces and memories that last a lifetime. 💙

    #RowlandsCastleFair #CommunitySponsors #ChildrensRides #ThankYou #QuayBuildingServices #VillageFair

  • Blendworth Hills – Sponsors of the Horticultural Show

    Blendworth Hills – Sponsors of the Horticultural Show

    A huge thank you to Blendworth Hills for their continued support and sponsorship of this year’s Horticultural and Garden Shows! 🌿🏡 Your generosity helps us bring vibrant displays, friendly competition, and community fun to Rowland’s Castle.

    Horticultural Show Divisions:

    • Division A – Fruit, Vegetable and Flowers
    • Division B – Floral Art
    • Division C – Arts and Crafts
    • Division D – Cookery
    • Division E – Photography
    • Division F – Children’s section

    Garden Show Categories

    • Container Garden
    • Front Garden
    • Rear Garden
    • Water Feature
    • Vegetable Garden
    • Wildlife Garden
    • Rowlands Castle Allotment – NEW FOR 2026

    You may enter any combination of categories.

    Submission and show timings for Horticultural Show:

    • Deliver completed entry forms by 8.30pm on Wednesday 1 July to: Fiona Charlesworth, 1 Yardlea Close, Rowlands Castle PO9 6DQ (off The Drift)
    • All exhibits to be brought to the Parish Hall (Links Lane) between 8.30am and 10.30am on the day of the fair
    • Entries submitted after 10.30am will not be judged
    • Horticultural Show open to the public: 12.00pm – 4.00pm
    • Entries to be collected from 4.00pm (no earlier)

    Garden Show entry deadline and judging:

    • All Garden Show entries to arrive by Friday 26 June; same address as above
    • Gardens will be judged on the morning of Tuesday 30 June

    We’d love to see your beautiful blooms and talented gardening skills on display. If you’ve benefited from Blendworth Hills’ support, please show your appreciation in the comments or share this post to spread the word.

    Thank you, Blendworth Hills, for helping our community grow! 🌷

    #RowlandsCastleFair #HorticulturalShow #GardenShow #SponsorAppreciation #blendworthhills

  • Step into the ring with Gary Logan’s Boxercise

    Step into the ring with Gary Logan’s Boxercise

    Did you go along to the Rowlands Castle Association’s May Picnic earlier this year?

    If you did, you may already know just how much fun Gary Logan’s Boxercise sessions can be. If you missed it, don’t worry—you’ve got another chance to join in at this year’s Rowlands Castle Village Fair!

    🥊 Gary will be back in the Arena on Saturday 4th July, straight after the Dog Show, ready to get everyone moving.

    Boxercise is a brilliant way to burn off some energy, learn new skills and have lots of fun with your friends and family. You’ll get to throw punches at pads, practise simple boxing moves and take part in exciting activities led by Gary.

    And before anyone asks…

    🚫 No sparring! No getting hit!

    This is all about fitness, fun and confidence-building in a safe and friendly environment.

    Whether you’re a budding champion or just looking for something exciting to do between the rides, stalls and shows, come along and give it a go.

    Who knows? You might discover your hidden boxing talent!

    See you in the Arena after the Dog Show!

  • Kids! Are You Ready for the Rowlands Castle Village Fair?

    Kids! Are You Ready for the Rowlands Castle Village Fair?

    The countdown is on! 🎉

    On Saturday 4th July, the Rowlands Castle Village Fair returns to The Green, and it’s packed with fun things for children and families to enjoy all day long. The fair opens at 11am and there’s something happening from the moment you arrive.

    Ride, Spin, Bounce and Laugh!

    One of the biggest attractions is the funfair, with plenty of rides for children. Whether you love gentle rides, bouncy castles, bungee trampolines or just the excitement of the fairground atmosphere, you’ll find something to enjoy. Even better, many of the rides are being subsidised by Quay Building Services, helping to keep them affordable for families.

    Don’t Miss Punch and Judy!

    Get ready for plenty of giggles at the famous Punch and Judy Show. Ben Bamboozle will be performing throughout the day, with shows at:

    • 11:45am
    • 1:00pm
    • 2:00pm
    • 3:45pm

    So if you miss one, don’t worry—you’ll have another chance to see Mr Punch, Judy and all their hilarious adventures.

    Woof! Woof! The Dog Show

    Love dogs? Then head over to the Dog Show, which starts at 12:30pm on The Green. You’ll see dogs of all shapes and sizes showing off their talents and competing for rosettes. Who knows—you might even spot the village’s next canine superstar! 🐕🏆

    Can You Win a Prize?

    Make sure your parents buy some tickets for the Grand Raffle. There are always fantastic prizes up for grabs, and the winners will be announced at 5:00pm. You never know—you could be taking home a prize! 🎁

    Explore the Horticultural Show

    Step inside the Parish Hall and discover the Horticultural Show. You’ll find amazing flowers, vegetables, photographs, artwork, cookery and much more. Some of the entries are created by children, so perhaps you’ll be inspired to enter next year. 🌻🍰📸

    Music, Food and So Much More

    As you wander around the fair you’ll hear live music, see colourful stalls, watch Morris dancers, meet local groups and discover lots of exciting things to do. There will be delicious food and drinks available throughout the day, so you can keep your energy up for more adventures.

    See You on The Green!

    Bring your family, bring your friends and come ready for a fantastic day of fun, laughter and community spirit.

    📅 Saturday 4th July 2026
    ⏰ 11.00am – 11.00pm
    📍 The Green, Rowlands Castle

    We can’t wait to see you there!

  • Horticultural show entry deadline – 1st July 8.30pm

    Horticultural show entry deadline – 1st July 8.30pm

    Have you got a prize-winning rose, a spectacular bakewell tart, a favourite photograph, or a piece of artwork you’re proud of? Then why not enter this year’s Horticultural Show? Every exhibit helps make the show a success, and you’ll be joining a tradition that has been enjoyed by generations of village residents.

    The ever-popular Horticultural Show returns to the Village Hall this year, once again organised by the Rowlands Castle Gardening Club and proudly sponsored by Blendworth Hills – Inspired Villages.

    Whether you’re a keen gardener, enthusiastic baker, talented photographer, creative artist, or simply enjoy having a go, there’s a class for everyone. Taking part is great fun, and you might even go home with a prize!

    There are classes for:

    • Fruit, vegetables and flowers
    • Floral art
    • Arts and Crafts
    • Cookery
    • Photography

    There are categories for both adults and children. Young exhibitors, aged up to 12, can win cash prizes, while adults can compete for a wide range of cups, trophies and awards.

    You don’t need to be an expert to enter. Many classes attract first-time exhibitors, and everyone is welcome. Why not challenge yourself and showcase something you’ve grown, made, baked, photographed or created?

    Entry deadlines

    • Garden Show: Friday 26th June
    • Horticultural Show classes: 8.30pm on Wednesday 1st July

    Please deliver or post your completed entry form(s) to:

    1 Yardlea Close
    Rowlands Castle
    PO9 6DQ

    To help the organisers plan the show, it would be greatly appreciated if you could submit your entries as soon as possible.

    Village Fair magazines containing entry forms and full details are available from Home Hardware, Londis and many other local businesses.

    For more details see the Horticultural Show page.

  • Punch and Judy

    Punch and Judy

    Bring the children along to this year’s Rowlands Castle Village Fair and enjoy the timeless fun of Ben Bamboozle’s Punch and Judy Show.

    Ben will be performing four shows during the day at:
    • 11.45am
    • 1.00pm
    • 2.00pm
    • 3.00pm

    You’ll find the Punch and Judy theatre in the centre of the Green, close to the flagpole and the ice cream van.

    A classic family favourite guaranteed to raise plenty of smiles and laughter!

  • Chairman’s report RCVF 2025

    Chairman’s report RCVF 2025

    This year’s fair was a perfect example of the saying, “many hands make light work.” The committee was greatly aided by a record number of local volunteers who helped with the setup on Friday afternoon, the clear-up on Sunday, and of course, the event itself. Thank you so much for your continued support — the fair quite literally couldn’t happen without it.

    Given the summer so far, we were a bit unlucky with the weather on the day. That said, it wasn’t nearly as bad as some of the gloomier weather apps had predicted.

    We had over 40 stalls this year, administered by Ian Oliver. The usual early-morning chaos was deftly managed by Bob Laverty and Andy Millard, both sporting their “spot me quick” hats, ensuring that everyone and everything was ready for the 11am start.

    The Dog Show, organised by Lauren Sheldon, was a little damp, but that didn’t deter the many entrants judged by St Peters Vets. There were plenty of wagging tails, with Boulez taking home the Best Dog title.

    The ever-popular barbecue, run by Jonny Arnold, was complemented this year by a delicious evening paella cooked by Louis Silk. Each large panful sold out as soon as it was ready — a sure sign we’ll be seeing it again next year!

    A bigger print run of our excellent magazine (designed by Steve Pierson), a revamped website (by Herb Miller), a social media campaign (led by Steven Johnston), and an advertising push (by Ed Sheldon) all contributed to attracting financial support from many local businesses — with Henry Adams once again sponsoring the event.

    This year, we placed special emphasis on reviving the Horticultural Show, long a key part of the day. Sponsored by the Fair Committee itself, the show returned with great success. The Village Hall was filled with entries and saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.

    All of the above, together with the kids’ rides, meant there was plenty to see and do — and plenty of people doing it. Attendance, after a bit of a slow start, ended up as strong as any previous year. Our volunteer-run bar, staffed by Adrian Wilcox and Lisa Laverty, was kept as busy as ever — especially in the evening when dancing to the brilliant evening bands Phil Harvey hired, with AstroModa and WonderBoy particularly working up quite a thirst.

    I hope the village enjoyed the fair, and I look forward to welcoming you all in 2026.

    Grahame Morrison
    On behalf of the Fair Committee