Honiton Market Charter Day header image showing the market on the High Street circa 1908

Honiton Market Charter Day

Honiton Market Charter Day Social Media Advert for Sat 19th July 2025

Charter Day 2025

Honiton Market Charter Day 2025 will be held on Saturday 19th July 2025.

More details when we have them!

A group of volunteers plan, organise and run Charter Day. We meet once a month throughout the year.

New members are always welcome! If you are interested in becoming involved, please email the Chairman on charterday@outlook.com.

11 Nov 2024 6:00pm – Planning Group Meeting
Our next Planning Group meeting will be held at the offices of Simon A Martin Accountants.

02 Dec 2024 6:00pm – Planning Group Meeting
Our December Planning Group meeting will be held at the offices of Simon A Martin accountants.

06 Dec 2024 6:30pm – Christmas Bingo
Join us for a festive evening at our Christmas Bingo Night.

06 Jan 2025 6:00pm – Planning Group Meeting
The January Planning Group meeting will be held at the offices of Simon A Martin accountants.

Town Crier Dave Retter opening the first Honiton Market Charter Day in 2007
The first Honiton Market Charter Day in 2007

Honiton Charter Day

The first Honiton Market Charter Day event was held in 2007.

It was the brainchild of Margaret Lewis, curator of Honiton Museum, who realised that the Market Superintendent’s 10th year in the job coincided with the 750th anniversary of the granting of the charter to the town.

So, Margaret and a group of volunteers set about applying for a £10,000 Lottery grant and, on being successful, they organised a week of activities in celebration.

Thus Charter Day was born and has continued ever since as a one-day event.

The Market Charter

A Royal Charter was bestowed on the town of Honiton by Henry III in 1257.

The Charter granted the right for a weekly market, and for centuries Honiton market was primarily for the sale of livestock and farm produce.

Coronation of King Henry III
Coronation of King Henry III

The Event

Now firmly established in the Honiton’s annual calendar, every year sees the traditional street market and shopkeepers getting involved in the spirit of Charter Day, alongside a variety of entertainments and activities. These take place in the town centre, in Northcote Lane and on Allhallows playing field.

Honiton Market Charter Day gives the opportunity for local charities and groups to raise funds and also to showcase all they offer to the community.

Honiton Lions always organise a classic car show as part of the day.

Charter Day is supported by a small annual grant from Honiton Town Council. It is also supported by a small annual donation from Honiton Chamber of Commerce.

This year we have also received a generous donation from Supacat and support from the Devon County Council Locality Budget.

Please note that there will not be a dog show this year.

Honiton Chamber of Commerce Logo
Honiton Town Council Logo
Lions Clubs International Logo
Men of 4 Commando being briefed by Lt Col R Dawson in preparation for D Day
Men of 4 Commando being briefed by Lt Col R Dawson in preparation for D Day

theme

This year’s Honiton Charter Day commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II.

CHARITY

This year’s charity was the Royal British Legion.

The Royal British Legion Logo
Field of red poppies under blue sky
Photo by Corina Ardeleanu