Honiton marked another well-attended Market Charter Day on Saturday 19th July 2025, with residents and visitors gathering across the town to celebrate its long-standing market heritage. The day featured a varied programme of music, performance, community activities, and local stalls.
The event opened at St Paul’s Church Forecourt, where Deputy Town Crier Caroline Kolek delivered the opening call, followed by a welcome from Town Mayor Andrew Pearsall. Nathan Hannay, player and coach at Honiton RFC, officially opened the day after stepping in at short notice for Ben Slater, who was unable to attend due to work commitments.
A full schedule of performances followed, including appearances by Sunshine Samba, the Rock Choir, Honiton Town Training Band, Honiton Community Theatre, and the Dunkeswell Handbell Ringers.
Elsewhere in the town, New Street Corner hosted live music from Charlotte White, Steve Waters and Alex Oakes, Emily Miller, and Back at Nick’s.
At Allhallows, the arena programme included displays by Sunshine Samba, the Twirlstars Majorettes, Honiton Gymnastics, the Western Spirit Line Dance Club, the East Devon Dance Academy, and Red Stitches Band.
Around the field, visitors enjoyed the Honiton Lions Classic Car Show, games, craft stalls, and refreshments.
Food and drink vendors included Cleave Farm Pork, Daisy Blue Delights, The Flavour Shack, and Gordon Ice Cream, alongside a licensed bar provided by BarBox. Sadly, Spud Pod were unable to attend following the theft of their trailer. We wish them better luck in future.
The Honiton Market Charter Day Planning Group would like to thank the following for all their help and support:
- Honiton Lions – especially Trevor Lees
- MKM Building Supplies
- Town Mayor – Andrew Pearsall
- Town Crier – Dave Retter
- Deputy Town Crier – Caroline Kolek
- Nathan Hannay – for opening the event at short notice
- Rev’d Tracey Voysey
- St Paul’s Church bellringers
- Magellan Systems Limited – website design
- Abi Polkey – logo design
- Terry Mohan, EX8Create – programme and poster design
- Colin Wright – printing
- Vernon Whitlock – event photos
- Simon A Martin Accountants
- John Capon – PA on Allhallows field
- Local Cadets, Police & Fire Brigade
- Dawn Enticott
- Planet Sal
- James’ Patisserie
- RKL Tools & Hardware
- all other shops, businesses and individuals who gave their support in any way
- anyone who is performing free of charge
- all volunteers on the day
- anyone else we may have forgotten!