The revival of St James’ Fair is now in its fifth year. The event is going from strength to strength, and was a huge success last year, with visitor numbers estimated to have been in excess of 10,000.

St James’ Fair dates back to at least the 13th century, when it probably started as a wool fair, where English merchants could sell their fleeces under the walls of Roxburgh Castle. The last of the ancient fairs at Roxburgh was held in the 1930's, by which time it had become a fair for the sale of horses and ponies with the main traders being the gypsies. Originally held near the site of the Church of St James, the fair is now held in the town square.

This year, St James' Fair will be held over the weekend of  6-7 September 2008 in the Square, Kelso.  Officially commencing at 12 noon on both Saturday & Sunday with trading taking place until at least 4.30 pm.   

 

As in previous years, the Fair will have a programme of events lasting the weekend, with a special event in the square on Saturday evening.

 We would like to invite traders to attend in medieval costume as we are trying to revive the Medieval Fair. 

The Continental Market that proved so popular last year will again be joining us for the weekend. 

Covered market stalls and tunnel tents (open on one side, 2 traders to a tent, tables provided) will be available for traders, at this time it seems unlikely that we will have the marquee this year.   You are also welcome to bring your own stall or marquee/gazebo. Prices will remain the same as last year £35 per day or £65 for the weekend. If you provide your own stall/marquee the fee will be £25 per day for a 3m x 3m space (please be aware that you cannot fasten your marquee / gazebo to the ground).

We are asking everyone to confirm and pay by the end of June (we will not bank your cheque until that time), later than that and we will be charging an extra £5 to cover the additional work involved in organising space for you. 

We will be limiting the number of jewellers to ensure that traders have a successful weekend and our visitors have plenty of variety. Allocation of a space in the square will be strictly on a first come basis to a maximum of 7. 

If you will be representing a charity, we are unable to offer you any price reduction, as we have no funding for the fair. We would also ask that you indicate on the booking form what sort of stall you will have. We are trying to avoid having duplicate fund raising activities. We are unable to accepted any stall running a raffle, as this is a fundraising activity for the St James’ Fair itself.  

We are intending to produce a new and improved colour programme for the event, if you would like to have your business advertised (Business Name, Contact Name, Product, Phone, Email / Website), there is a nominal £5 charge. In this case you MUST return your application form by May 17th.

We would also ask all traders that have a website, to provide a link to the St James website from their own. The address is http://www.stjamesfairkelso.co.uk/ 

Set up will be from 10.00am on both days (stock cannot be left overnight) and you are asked to remain until at least 4.30 each day..

Please ensure that you have all necessary liability insurance and if selling food or drink products that you have the necessary local authority certification. 

Please remember applications and payment should be received by