The popular Sedan Chair Racing at Cockermouth Georgian Fair.
When: 2nd May 2015
Where: Cockermouth, Cumbria
£: Free
What is it?
Cockermouth Georgian Fair will take place on Saturday 2nd May 2015 in Cumbria. Cockermouth is a pretty market town with many fine Georgian style buildings. The fair itself will transform the town for the day, with many local residents getting into the spirit of the event and dressing up.
This year the Cockermouth Georgian Fair will feature unique living history, musicians, dancers, Maypole dancing, Redcoats, street theatre, a costume parade, and period craft and farmers street markets. StreetLife 1778 will be leading discovery walks around the town, and the National Trust’s Wordsworth House will have extended opening hours (normal admission charges will apply). The highlights of this year’s fair will be the Sedan Chair Racing and Barrel Rolling Challenge.
Sedan Chairs were once used by the wealthy Georgians to be carried along narrow streets by two or more people. So fittingly for the fair, there will be Sedan Chair Racing taking place in the afternoon. Teams of five will be required, in Georgian themed fancy dress, to race whilst carrying one team member in the wooden Sedan Chair. The winners will receive a trophy and prizes from the local Jennings brewery.
The Barrel Rolling Challenge, a new event to the fair day, will involve rolling and controlling an 18-gallon stainless steel keg barrel along a hundred yard course in Memorial Gardens. The challenge will take place at around 3pm and prizes will be provided by Jennings.
More info: www.cockermouth.org.uk/georgianfair