THE week-long Winkleigh Fair is nearly upon us once more, with this year's event destined to be as full of fun as ever.

The church fete on Saturday, July 9, followed by a quiz night, marks the beginning of Winkleigh Fair week.

Fair week officially starts on Sunday July 10 with the well dressing by Winkleigh Pre-School. The official opening ceremony and the crowning of the Fair King and Queen, the start of the balloon race and a performance by Torrington Silver Band will all take place in the village square, as will a head-dress workshop for children between 2pm and 2.45pm.

Visitors can also enjoy a church service, which will be followed by cream teas served by the Winkleigh WI in the community centre. Outside on the sports field there will be a village rounders match, open to everyone. Refreshments will be available.

On Monday, July 11, the village hall will play host to the Roger Jones musical 'Pharisee', the story of Nicodemus, from 7.30pm.

On Tuesday July 12, the flower ladies welcome visitors to Winkleigh Parish Church for the flower festival between 10am and 1pm, with an organ recital, coffee and homemade cakes.

Tuesday night bingo makes a welcome return to the fair in the community centre, with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Tea, coffee and snacks will be available.

On Thursday, July 13 events move to the new marquee in the field next to the sports field, with the village produce and culture show taking place through the afternoon and early evening in the marquee. Entries can be brought along between 1pm and 4pm. The marquee will be open for public viewing from 5.30pm.

Organisers are inviting visitors to bring old archive photos of Winkleigh Fair, with the best photo being used for the cover of next year's 750th fair programme.

From 6pm on Thursday the dog show will take place in the marquee field. Thursday is also the first night of the Anderton and Rowlands Fun Fair.

On Friday, July 14 the Winkleigh Footpath Group are organising a guided walk through the village, leaving the community centre at 4pm. The walk will be followed by refreshments, and a chance to look at photographs and information from the recent pond dipping project.

The 'Winkleigh's Got Talent' competition takes place in the marquee at 6pm. Anyone with any kind of talent is encouraged to take part. Exeter Brewery will be running a bar including a selection of real ales.

The final of the skittles competition, running throughout the week, also takes place on Friday night.

The week's events culminate on Saturday, July 16 with 'Fair in the Field Saturday', with all events being held in the marquee field. The farmers and craft market will be held in the marquee from 10am. Locally owned vintage vehicles will be taking part in a vehicle rally, also at 10am.

The fair rides also start at 10am, with fixed prices for children throughout the day. Throughout the morning there will be a head-dress workshop.

Afternoon events starts with the children's fancy dress parade and competition, with this year's theme being 'Wild Wild West'. All entries should meet at 1pm for a parade with the pipe band.

Throughout the afternoon there will be entertainers, Morris dancers, the Winkleigh Primary School Choir, and other fun village games and races, including tug of war at 7.30pm. Refreshments including tea, coffee, sandwiches and a hog roast will be available throughout the day.

Winkleigh Fair Committee looks forward to welcoming as many visitors as possible to the week's events, and hope everyone has a great Winkleigh Fair Week.