Spectacles and Showmen
Events are a kind of mass theatre where the intoxication of colour and
ritual, spectacle and pageantry, urges everyone to join in. For the
spreading of infectious delight there's nothing to beat a dancing
procession led by assorted musicians.
A parade of
rainbow clad revellers on foot and horseback making its way from the
nearby town of Beccles has become the traditional way to start Barsham.
As the dancers spin onto the field so the proclamation of the Faire is
read loud and clear. We once released a basket of pigeons at this point
and anyone wanting to flying start should contact local pigeon fanciers.
There have always been horses and
ponies at Barsham, some carrying their owners to the Faire, others
giving rides or pulling painted carts full of children. The owners of
the bright gypsy wagons which roll onto Rectory Paddock need grazing
for their horses, so if you think they may be coming to your event it's
best to decide beforehand with the site owner whether to use his field
for grazing, or to find extra space. If you want to encourage
travellers with their painted caravans, horses, wares and herbs then
find one traveller well in advance and ask him to spread the word.
Goats, chickens, dogs, pigs, kittens, parrots..... animals and birds of all
kinds make an appearance at Barsham. One year we booked a small circus
which gave several performances each day. If you are keen on the idea
of a circus it's as well to realise that there will be some difficulty in
booking a different one for the following year if you don't like your
first choice - a good example of showman solidarity.
Advertising in ‘Worlds Faire’, the fortnightly newspaper of the Showman's Guild
is the best way of attracting showman acts, circuses, etc. The address
is 151A King Street, Drighlington, BD11 1EJ.
Telephone 01132 853341. A display ad 2 column widths by 5cm costs
around 80p for a single insertion. It usually pays to advertise for at
least three consecutive issues some six months before your event.
The advertisement is likely to bring forth a flood of literature from
fire-eaters, trapeze artists, high wire acts, fakirs, snake charmers,
sword swallowers and multifarious exotic performers. Fees range from
£80 per weekend upwards. Early booking is essential. Some showmen will
perform in booths and charge admission, but at Barsham we prefer to pay
artists to perform spontaneously, in the open around the Faire, as
befits our policy of providing as much entertainment as possible for
the price of the admission charge.
Some of the stalls which appear in the craft market add flavour to the
Faire in other ways besides selling beautiful goods. You may get
herbalists, Tarot readers, astrologers, graphologists and craftsmen who
will demonstrate their skill working by their stall.
A good way of involving people in the entertainment at the Faire is to
approach clubs and societies. Pigeon fanciers, kite fliers, hot air
balloonists, parachutists, body builders, weight lifters, judo clubs,
etc.... ask them to do something special for the Faire.
Fireworks
Firework displays are an expensive method of giving a great deal of
enjoyment and excitement to a vast crowd. At least everyone can see at
a firework display, however big the crowd.
It costs a minimum of £400 for a splendid spectacle. Most commercial
firms overcharge and amateurs tend to disappoint. We have been lucky
enough to find Phlegathon Fireworks,
with their imaginative and humorous displays.
For the best effects give six months notice.
If planning fireworks there are a few cardinal rules to follow:
FIREWORKS PRECAUTIONS
- Fireworks have to be set off at a distance and may involve hiring extra space.
- Notify and consult with the Fire Brigade well before the event.
- If the display is to be set off within the vicinity of crops,
thatched buildings or other inflammables extra insurance may be needed.
- Fireworks frighten animals. Warn spectators well before the time of display so that animals can be removed or pacified.
- Do not allow any other fireworks apart from the organised display.
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