Summer fun at Raystede’s fair while supporting animals in need

Raystede’s much-loved Summer Fair is back after a two year absence. Enjoy a traditional fun family day out and support your local animal welfare charity at the same time.

Taking place across two days, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, from 10am to 4pm on Raystede’s fields, there will be lots of animal-inspired activities and displays, plus shopping stalls, food and drink, live music and entertainment for all ages.

Dogs are very welcome.  For anyone who has rehomed a dog from Raystede, there will be a special Raystede Rehomers Parade on the Saturday afternoon.  Bring your four-legged friend and join the lap of honour to celebrate the joy of rescuing an animal.  Or, if your pooch has the Most Appealing Eyes or is the Dog the Judges Would Most Like to Take Home, then enter them in the Fun Dog Show taking place on the Sunday.

On Saturday, there will be displays from dog teams from Hoopers agility, Calm and Content Scentwork Fun Trick Dog Training and Pawsome Dogs, with All4One Flyball on both days, plus the chance to have a go with your own dog.

Ponies will be on parade on both days – a chance to see Raystede’s own herd of horses and ponies, many of whom will spend the rest of their days being cared for in peace and tranquillity at the sanctuary. 

There’s entertainment a-plenty with the Van Buren variety show featuring magic, illusions, juggling, comedy and escapology. After each show, these professional performers will run a workshop so you can join in too!  Plus, there’s the gravity-defying Parkour team - athletes demonstrating strength, precision and co-ordination as they flip and leap across any obstacles in their path.  After each display, their qualified coaches will invite children from the audience to learn some of their tricks.

As it will be Father’s Day over the weekend there will also be a special surprise for the Dads, thanks to the Outta Puff Daddys dance troupe!  Add to that bouncy castles, soft play, an extreme assault course, penalty shoot-out, coconut shy, shopping marquee, vegetarian and vegan food, ice creams and candy floss and you’ve got the perfect family day out!

Easy to find, Raystede is located on the B2192, between Ringmer and Halland, opposite the East Sussex Gliding Club, and there’s plenty of parking.

Family tickets are £20 (2 adults and 2 children), adults £7, children £4, under 3s and dogs go free. There will only be a limited number of tickets available on the day so book in advance save money and avoid disappointment at www.raystede.org/summerfair or call 01825 840252.