Bouncy Castle for the younger generation, Dad’s Army Platoon and Jones Butchers Van, Maypole dancing, Woodchop Challenge, the World Stick Balancing Championships, plus lots more!
HOCKHAM 752nd HORNFAIR PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE
SUNDAY 26TH MAY 2024
(All timings subject to Hockham Time…..)
Park at Church Lane as street parking will be restricted.
8AM - 8PM Roads close on the green and in front of the Eagle
8.00 Hockham Hornfair, stall erection (all help gladly accepted) Bacon Rolls for volunteers!
12 NOON The Walmington-On-Sea platoon opens the Hornfair with a volley
12.45 World Stick Balancing Championships
1.30 Maypole Dancing by Hockham School
2.15 Wood Chop Challenge (Last years contestants have gracefully retired and so this year we have two new contestants)
3.00 Maypole Dancing by Hockham School
3.30 The Great Hockham Wacky Race (not to be missed!)
Dads Army platoon may march around if they feel like…..
Refreshments available on the green and outside the Eagle. Lavatories at the Eagle, plus bouncy castle and games
5-6pm Hornfair stalls taken down (all help gladly received please)
8pm Organisers Relax in the pub!
Don't Panic but this year Dad's Army are coming back to the Hornfair again! Plus they are bringing Jones Butchers Van as well!!!
Dad’s Army platoon and the original Jones Butchers Van at Weybourne
(courtesy of the Thetford Dad’s Army Museum)
History of the Hornfair
In 1272 King Henry III granted Hockham an annual fair and a weekly market, which took place where the village green is today. The fair which became known as the Hornfair lasted 4 days from the feast and morrow of the Nativity of St Mary and the two days following. In the past this was the 8th -11th September, but in more recent times the Hornfair has been moved to May/June. It’s likely the fair was older, but in 1272 it became both official and more imprtantly for the crown taxable!
The Hornfair likely sold goods made from cow horn, like knife handles, drinking vessels and even shades for lamps and there are two more Hornfairs known of in the UK.
The Horned man was a feature of the Hockham Hornfair (he sports a yellow and green tunic on the village sign, (clearly an early Norwich City fan) and it was customary for him to require a stranger to undergo the dosh, where the hairy pad between the Horns was butted by said stranger. It’s likely a forfeit was requested for anyone refusing.
In the early 1900’s the fair faded out but was resurrected in 2000 and celebrates its 750th anniversary of being granted in 2022. The Horns will be out and on show, for their annual display.
Welcome to Great Hockham, a picturesque village situated in the heart of Norfolk's countryside