Introduction

 

The current Aldbrough Feast is a series of events and activities run for the benefit of the residents of the Feast area, i.e. the Civil Parishes of Aldbrough and Stanwick St John.  It originated in 1281 with the granting by Edward I to John of Brittany, Earl of Richmond, the right to hold a weekly market and an annual fair on the Feast of St Michael.  Over time the date was brought forward to early August because of the harvest. 

 

The Feast has had its ups and downs over the years, nearly closing down on a few occasions.  In the late 1800s it was known as a week’s booze up.  In 1939 there were over 6,000 spectators for the pony racing and show jumping with no doubt some illegal gambling as busloads of miners came down from South West Durham. 

 

The current Feast is on a more modest scale and runs for around a week with the gymkhana – a main event – always on the 2nd Monday in August, followed in the evening by a Fun Fair.  The various events are organised by the Feast Committee and their many helpers and supporters.

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Any funds raised by Feast activities are to be used for the benefit of the those living in the Feast area.  For details of what has been supported in recent years and what is currently being supported, see the Use of Feast Funds page.