Stokesley Fair
A Tradition Since 1224
Few towns can boast a fair with roots stretching back 800 years. Stokesley Fair traces its origins to a royal charter granted by Henry III to John FitzRobert in 1223–24, confirmed by records in the Online Gazetteer of Market Fairs in England and Wales to 1516.
Today, Stokesley Fair remains one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the town's calendar. Its timing is linked to the Stokesley Agricultural Show, founded in 1859 at a meeting held at what is now the Leven Hotel on the High Street. The show — which claims to be the North's largest one-day agricultural show — is held on the Saturday after the third Thursday in September.
The Fair runs from the Wednesday before the Show through to Show day itself:
- Wednesday to Friday: open from early evening
- Saturday (Show day): open all day
The fair is a spectacular sight, taking over much of Stokesley town centre. It stretches from West Green along the cobbles on both sides of the High Street, across The Plain, and all the way to College Square at its eastern end — all on Stokesley Manorial Land.
The fair pays rent to the Manorial Lands Trust, and the income generated helps support the Town Hall Trust, maintain the Manorial Lands, and fund charitable events for the benefit of Stokesley residents.
Stokesley Fair 2027: Wednesday 15th September - Saturday 18th September
Stokesley Show
One of the largest and most respected one-day agricultural shows in North Yorkshire.
Celebrating over 166 years of heritage, the Stokesley Show is a proud tradition and a highlight of the rural calendar, attracting visitors, competitors, and families from across the region and beyond.
Each year, thousands of people come to Stokesley for a fantastic day out filled with agriculture, entertainment, shopping, food, and community spirit.
More details for tickets and attractions go to - www.stokesleyshow.co.uk