| Where: | Chertsey, Surrey - Procession starts at Free Prae Road |
| When: | 2nd Saturday in July |
| Time: | 10.30 |
Henry VI granted the Abbot of Chertsey the right to hold an annual fair back in 1440 and apart from a brief hiatus in the latter part of the twentieth century it’s been held ever since, gaining its name from the cherry harvest. Nowadays it’s organised by the local Rotary Club and there are over 100 stalls at the medieval-style fair on the Abbey Fields, as well as a funfair and entertainments. The other major component of the event is the Procession of floats and bands, which has a different theme each year to keep it interesting. The Procession is led by the Cherry Princesses in medieval dress, who are chosen from the local schools earlier in the year.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 it should be held on Saturday July 13th.
The photos are from 2021, when the Fair went ahead without a procession (for social distancing reasons).
Click here for the event Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/blackcherryfair
Click here for the event website :http://www.blackcherryfair.com/#
Dear to whom this may concern,
I am writting to you because i was wondering do you hire out the abbeyfields for any occasion?,
I am looking in the next few years for a garden wedding venue, and this seems to be the perfect place as its really local to all my family and friends.
I just wanted some more information as this is a weird but wonderful idea, can you please send me prices and any hidden charges, also what i could do and couldn’t do.
Yours Sincerelly
Suzanne.
HI Suzanne! Sorry it took a while to reply- just got back from holiday. I’m not the right person to contact about the Abbeyfields hire, but if you follow the link on Calendar Customs to the Cherry Fair’s own website (scroll down the page ’til you find it), there’s a contact form. Just click the bottom bar on the left hand side of the Cherry Fair homepage and a form pops up – they should be able to get the info you need. Good luck – sounds like a great venue.
Averil
Dear Suzanne,
Happened to see this. Abbey Field is actually owned by Runnymede Borough Council
and I am sure it would be worth contacting their leisure services department who are
all very helpful.
Good luck with the wedding. Come and see us at the Black Cherry Fair!
Jane Nuti – event co-ordinator
Hi Suzanne, I saw your message on here and thought I would get in touch, as I am a singer for special occasions, weddings included, and am singing at the Black Cherry Fair this weekend!! I have a live band also, and provide a full tailored solution for music at your wedding, inside or outside! If you would like more info, please get in touch through my website.
thanks!
I’ve just been to the Black Cherry Fair. I think Chertsey is a town with a lot of character, and the whole centre was given over to the Procession, which wound it’s way through the streets. This assembles in Free Prae Road, but ends at the open space at Abbey Fields, where the fair is set up. This is a thriving local event, and very good example of a local fete. The floats pass the church, where the Chertsey Curfew Bell is rung during the winter months.
It’s a pleasant event, in a pleasant town, but don’t expect to see any black cherries
Very true Roy- we didn’t manage to spot any either!
Averil