Amersham's Street Entertainment, Fetes and Carnivals

Through out the year, Amersham enjoys a number of public events.
On this page are pictures of some of the many events. Either scroll down or use the quick links below

Charter Fair - Amersham Carnival - Chesham Bois Fete
St. Mary's Church Fete - Heritage Day - Amersham Bus Rally
Street and Farmers Markets - Christmas Shopping Evenings

The Charter Fair

In 1200, King John granted Amersham a market and fair, which is still held every year in on 19 and 20 September when rides and stalls occupy the High Street.

The fair has the right to continue to be held unless there is a break. Even during World War II, the fair continued, although on a much smaller scale. Each year the rides and attractions seem to get bigger. In the past, there were more small side shows with prizes to be won. Today, there are more rides to thrill those who enjoy such things.
Picture Courtesy of Dave James An example of the prizes that could be won at the fair. these plaster of Paris dogs were won by Dave James' grandmother in about 1949. They are now living in Australia with Dave. All I ever won was a gold fish!
In the early 1990s one of the generator lories caught fire. A brave fair worker drove the blazing vehicle to the outskirts of Amersham to avoid any danger. It was a heroic act and possibly saved serious damage. I actually saw the blazing lorry being driven at speed passed Amersham hospital, a spectacular site. Ironically, the driver stopped the lory just passed the hospital where the fire brigade made it safe, but the driver had to be taken on to Wycombe hospital for treatment even though he was outside Amersham hospital. The growth of the fair and possible dangers means traffic control systems have to be introduced. The opening of the by pass has eased the situation, but it is fare to say the fair does cause some inconvenience for people. There have been calls for the fair to be moved, this would probably alter the Charter and to date has not happened. To Top of Page
Amersham Carnival


Pictures of Amersham Carnival in July 2000
While Old Amersham has the fair, Amersham on the Hill has a Carnival each year in July. Floats parade around the town and this is followed by entertainment on King George V playing field. the Carnival raises money for charity.


Pictures of Amersham Carnival in July 2006 The Carnival is organised by the Amersham Round Table and raises money for local charities, about £10,000 per year. It is probably correct to say that the carnival is not as grand as it was in past years, but it is a tradition which is well loved and Amersham is fortunate to still have people prepared to organise and take part in the event. Various new regulations and health and safety issues must make it harder over time to participate.


After the procession, events are held on King George V Playing Fields
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Chesham Bois Village Fete Picture courtesy of Kevin Redford
Chesham Bois hold an annual carnival on Chesham Bois Common. The Common makes an ideal setting for this popular event. To Top of Page
St. Mary's Church Fete
Picture courtesy of Martyn Loach	Picture courtesy of Martyn Loach
Picture courtesy of Martyn Loach	Picture courtesy of Martyn Loach
St., Mary's Church, in the Old Town, hold a popular fete in the church grounds. Well done to the Vicar (Tim Harper) for going into the stock in 2006! To Top of Page
Heritage Day Below are some images from over the years.
Over recent years, Heritage day has become a successful event in Amersham. Held on a Sunday in September, the Old Town puts on displays and opens buildings for the public. Street entertainers (above left) entertain the visitors. The Amersham Band give open air concerts in the Memorial Gardens (above right)

The Amersham Band are seen playing in the Memorial Gardens on Heritage Day 2006, although they do give performances at other times during the year.

Displays of old cars and vehicles are always of interest

A Town Crier makes an appearance on Heritage Day to announce all the events (left) On Heritage 2001, Garland Dancers entertained the visitors (right)

ON Heritage Day 1999 visitors could have horse drawn rides (left). Since the ride above is passing the Griffin, an old coaching inn, memories of very distant days are created! Coach Tours of local locations used in TV and film productions have proved very popular )right). For details of film & TV locations,see here To Top of Page
Coach Tours of local locations used in TV and film productions have proved very popular. For details of film & TV locations,see here To Top of Page
Amersham Bus Rally
Over the last few years, the station car park has hosted a bus rally during October. Old buses that used to serve the area give free rides on routes no longer in use. To Top of Page
Street Markets
Perhaps not strictly street entertainment, but certainly it would appear a popular event, are Framers Markets or French / British Gourmet Markets. These are held in Sycamore Road and the car park in the Old Town at various times. The above picture shows Sycamore Road closed to traffic in February 2003 for the a Gourmet Market To Top of Page
Christmas Shopping Evenings During December The Old Town and Amersham on the Hill hold late night shopping evenings with extra attractions such as markets and entertainment. Below are views from the shopping night in 2006



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Amersham has a number of other public events including school fetes, twinning association events, Christmas shopping events and other fund raising activities. If you have any pictures of these event, please email the web master