Thousands of visitors descended on the picturesque village of Marbury near Nantwich as Marbury Merry Days returned for its 45th annual celebration.
Held in the field beside St Michael and All Angels Church and the scenic Marbury Big Mere, the traditional two-day country fair once again proved a hit with families and visitors.
Organised by the St Michael & All Angels Parochial Church Council, the long-running community event transformed the heart of the village into a bustling festival packed with entertainment, heritage displays, live performances and traditional family fun.
This year’s fair was officially opened by the Cheshire Dairy Queen Team – Lara Dicesare, Grace Barber and Annie Newport – ambassadors for Cheshire Young Farmers, who arrived in a Bentley vintage car before being welcomed into the Main Ring by Carolin Paton-Smith.
Master of Ceremonies Peter Hunter-Johnson kept visitors informed while church vicar Rev Veronica Green spent time meeting guests around the site.
A highlight was the appearance of the Sealed Knot, Europe’s largest re-enactment society, which brought the drama and atmosphere of the English Civil War vividly to life.
Visitors explored an immersive 17th-century living history camp featuring authentic costumes, cooking demonstrations, crafts and military drills, while the Main Ring hosted thrilling battle recreations complete with marching soldiers, musket fire, drums and cannon blasts.
Sunday also featured a special “children’s army”, giving younger visitors the chance to get involved in the action.
Away from the battlefield displays, families enjoyed performances from Pinxton Puppets, model floatplane and boat displays, classic cars and vintage tractors, alongside music from the Wirral Pipe Band.
Traditional fete favourites including a coconut shy, splat-the-rat, golf putting and a straw bale maze proved popular throughout the weekend, while bouncy castles, craft tents, trade stands, a tea tent serving homemade cakes and sandwiches, and stalls selling bric-à-brac, plants, clothing and homeware kept crowds entertained.
Saturday’s entertainment included maypole dancing by pupils from Wrenbury School, performances from Glo*s Dance Troupe and displays by the Stafford Morris Dancers.
On Sunday, visitors packed into the popular Fun Dog Show, which featured categories ranging from “Sweetest Puppy” to “Friendliest Dog”, judged by small animal vet Steve Leonard (Phoenix Vet Practice) and his two daughters.
Among those taking part was Charlotte Wright, daughter of former St Michael’s vicar Rev Samuel John Wright, who founded Marbury Merry Days in the 1970s to raise funds for the church.
Her 17-year-old Jack Russell, Terry, won the Golden Oldie category. The overall Best in Show title went to Binki, a German Shepherd rescue dog owned by Julie Wright.
Inside the church, visitors enjoyed floral displays, spinning demonstrations and organ music, while antiques expert Gregory Ebbs, owner of The Antique Stores online marketplace, offered free valuations and displayed militaria and collectables from his private collection.
A representative from Marbury Merry Days said: “The weekend simply would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers, generous sponsors, talented performers, exhibitors and all those who took part across the two days.
“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the event and helping us continue this treasured village tradition.”
The event was sponsored by Alderford Lake, Barlows Electrical Retail Ltd, Bernard Corbett, BZ Marketing, G. Blackhurst & Son Ltd, Bradeley Green Pet Store (Petcetera), Cheshire Country Store, D.A. Roberts Fuels Ltd., Green End Pharmacy, H J Lea Oakes Ltd., Holly Farm Garden Centre, Leonard Bros Vets, Lornashouse, Marbury Financial Services, Phoenix Vet Practice, Prince Albert Angling Society, Surface Technicians, The Swan Inn, Wagstaffes of Whitchurch.
Funds raised from the weekend will go towards the ongoing upkeep of St Michael’s Church.
Marbury Merry Days will return next spring on 8th and 9th May 2027.
(Story and pics by Jonathan White)
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