Trefin St Martin’s Fair & Mock Mayor

Where: Trefin, Haverfordwest, Wales- at the Village Green and Ship Inn, Ffordd Yr Afon
When: Weekend near 11th November
Time: Craft Fair 10-4 then 5pm onwards at the Ship with procession to Crowning, then Crowning at 6pm approx on the Village Green

 

Trefin is one of a handful of places that have their very own election, in which a Mock Mayor is voted in for the year amidst much revelry and ceremony, with speeches and appeals to the assembled electorate. Held every year as part of the St Martin’s Fair, it takes place usually on a weekend near to the saint’s feast day of 11th November, and though it sometimes varies a little in date to accommodate other events, it’s always near that time. It’s a revival of the traditional medieval fair and there are stalls selling local crafts at the Ship Inn during the daytime. As well as the election itself you can expect music and singing at the Inn and the serving of Cawl, the tasty Welsh broth, and mulled wine.

Helpful Hints

In 2023 it was on Saturday November 11th-the Fair ran from 11-4, with the torchlit Procession at 5 and Crowning at 6 pm. 2024 date is yet to be announced.

While in the past it has often been held on a Sunday it’s sometimes in the latter part of the month rather than being strictly near 11th, and moved to Saturday in 2022. The residents are very welcoming and you can be sure of a warm reception.

The Ship is an ancient family-owned hostelry which serves a wide range of food and drink including numerous vegetarian and vegan options, and friendly staff. The Cawl was very tasty, and served with the traditional accompaniment of bread and cheese.

Click here for the Village Hall: https://www.facebook.com/TrefinVillageHall

Click here for the Inn Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theshipinntrefin

View this location on the map

Many thanks to David Gardner for the photos and helpful information!