The day will commence with the traditional procession of cars around the town for all to see.  The cars will then park up on the recreation ground to be admired throughout the afternoon with cups being presented to the winning owners at the end of the show.  Owners have the opportunity to compete in a driving skills competition during the afternoon.

This year there is a very large variety of stalls, selling gifts and crafts.  Lots of food available and a licensed bar.  Plenty for the children to do, there will be mini waltzers, a megaslide and an assault course.  Lots of entertainment in the centre ring introduced to you by our local DJ Dave Hoffman.  In the afternoon we have a popular and very entertaining band, Pirate Joe and The Foreign Locals.  They will be entertaining us from 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm.

Lets hope the weather is kind as it’s sure to be a great day, not to be missed!

A unique piece of World War I history has recently been discovered in Harleston. This fascinating artefact is a tablecloth that was inscribed by some of the staff, and the soldiers who were treated at the two British Red Cross hospitals in Harleston during 1914 – 1918. This is in their own handwriting on a piece of linen measuring approximately 3 foot by 3 foot. Some of the soldiers have also included personal details such as their regimental number, rank, unit etc.

Soldiers are from many countries including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Australia and France. There are also Royal Navy personnel from the Royal Naval Air Service.

Most of the names can be clearly seen, and a total of 144 have so far been recorded, believed to be 107 soldiers and 37 staff.  A considerable amount of research has been carried out, and tales of gallantry and tragedy have been discovered but there are still a multitude of stories and secrets to be told about this historic tablecloth.  More deatils about our tablecloth can be found here. Read More >

The tablecloth will be professionally conserved to museum standard and it is hoped to find a suitable venue where it can be permanently displayed. It is hoped also to showcase it at some local events in Harleston during the coming months. Many thanks to Harleston Town Council and teh Grapevine for providing the money needed for the conservation.

Experience a bygone era in action

The perfect opportunity to wind back the clock and explore what it was like to work the land in times gone by. See working machines at close quarters.

A thrashing display gives an insight into the hard, physical work which used to be needed to bring in the harvest

Vintage vehicles, heavy horses, craft and trade stalls, food and bar, child play area, trailer rides, church activities, pets corner.

A selection of home cooked pulled pork rolls, hot dogs, sandwiches, cakes and snacks.. The bar serves our local Ampersand Brew Co craft beer, Denton’s Blackhand cyder and various soft drinks. Tea and coffee are also available.

Adults £5, under 16 free, proceeds go to 5 local charities.

Meet at The Swan Hotel at 14:00.

Half Moons, Dragons, Magpies and Eagles are in the mix for this colourful part of Harleston’s past. What is more, they were controlled by wheelwrights, harness makers and maltsters. Whatever else the people of Harleston may have lacked, it was not the opportunity to quench their thirst! Pubs, beer houses and breweries abounded. Most of the old buildings are still here – if you know where to look. This walk will give a fascinating insight into a small part of Harleston history.

Tickets £4.00 per adult, children under 15 accompanied by an adult go free. There are a series of guided walking tours around the town throughout the summer.  All walks last about two hours

Meet at The Swan Hotel at 14:00.

Harleston may be a small town but it has been home to many well-known people. Famous religious leaders and military heroes, business entrepreneurs and pilgrim pioneers, have all called Harleston their home. This walk will explore the impact they have had, locally, nationally and, in some cases, internationally. These walks are being held in conjunction with this year’s exhibition about the Worthies of Harleston in the local Museum where the walks will include a special opening just for us.

Tickets £4.00 per adult, children under 15 accompanied by an adult go free. There are a series of guided walking tours around the town throughout the summer.  All walks last about two hours

Meet at The Swan Hotel. Tours run every hour, on the hour from 10:00 until 15:00. This walk must be booked in advance. There are only 60 tickets, book early to avoid disappointment.

Running alongside the annual food and drink festival this walk will add a few stops at shops to sample local produce, from chocolate, meats, cheese, beer and cider, our artisan town has it all.  Cost: £8.00 to include samples of food and drink.  Walks will run throughout the day and be limited to 10 people for each Food and Drink walk to permit entry to participating outlets.  This walk can be booked in advance for parties of 10 people, an ideal social outing for your group or organisation.  To book, or for more information, please send an email to [email protected]

Tickets £8.00 per person, there are no discounts for children on this walk.  There are a series of guided walking tours around the town throughout the summer, full details at Harleston Walks. All walks take about two hours.