West Sussex village podcast highlights annual sheep fair and talks to the people behind it

Findon Sheep Fair dates back to 1261 when a charter was first granted but the three-day event had become an annual sale by 1650. It was George Holford who revived the event on Nepcote Green some time before 1785 and the annual tradition has continued for more than 240 years.

To boost this year's programme, the committee has linked up with Findon resident Margaret Allen for a special sheep fair series on her JustSaying podcast.

Elaine Dibben, vice chair of Findon Sheep Fair, said: “We have linked up to produce a series of podcasts about the history of the fair and covering the stories of the volunteers, the farmers and Harris’s funfair, all of whom contribute to the ongoing success of the fair and ensure we can keep it going for future generations.

“The first two have already been published and the third will be published on September 7. In the run up to the Sheep Fair, it gives an added insight into what goes on behind the scenes as well as on the day.”

Visit findonsheepfair.org.uk podcast for more information and links to the podcast episodes.

Margaret has conducted interviews to celebrate all the fair has to offer and capture the spirit of the fair through varies stories from the past.

From Flock to Festival explores the story behind Findon Sheep Fair and how a village tradition has evolved into a thriving community festival.

From its origins in livestock trading to the modern-day celebration of local culture, this conversation highlights the people, history, and spirit that continue to bring the community together.

It Takes a Village shines a light on the volunteers, showing why people give their time, what they gain in return and how volunteering helps build stronger connections within communities.

Margaret says: “The JustSaying podcast is a space to reconnect and revive the kind of conversations that felt so effortless before 2020.”