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.

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it was provisionally arranged for Saturday November 2nd but clashes with other events mean that this year the Fair is postponed, with the Mock Mayor ceremony taking place instead at the Singing Round the Tree on Friday 13th December. The event should begin at 5.15 with mince pies and mulled wine at the Hall, procession to the Tree at 6 pm and Investiture of the Mayor at 6.30 (I’ve been advised that some of the timings may get swapped around so get there early if you can!).

The Fair usually runs from 11-4, with the torchlit Procession at 5 and Crowning at 6 pm (times may be flexible!).

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

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