A farmer guides the sheep up Winchester Street, in Overton

FAMILIES flocked to the stalls and entertainment at the third-ever Overton Sheep Fair in the north Hampshire village.

Villagers donned top hats and tails of the Regency period at the event, which - like the World Cup and the Olympics - is only held once every four years.

Wild sheep were guided through the village to kick-start proceedings, before the event was officially opened by borough mayor Councillor George Hood and Sir Jonathan Portal, whose ancestors founded Overton Mill in the 18th century.

Visitors were entertained by dances by the Hook Eagle Morris Men and the children from Overton Primary School, and music by entertainer Peter Optical.

Food, drink and carnival stalls lined Winchester Street, which was closed to traffic for the two-day event.

Christopher Wiles, of Two Gate Meadow, Overton, said: "I think this is a nice event because it shows off Overton's best bits - the sense of community and the great retail outlets."

Among the stallholders were coaches from Overton Rugby Club, who were getting people on exercise bikes to raise money for a planned new clubhouse at Laverstoke Park.

Valerie Thame, of Overton Hill, manned her stall, selling paintings and also carding the wool from Black Welsh Mountain Sheep.

She said: "We thought it was the right thing to do at a sheep fair."

The Overton Sheep Fair started in 2000, with a medieval theme, followed by a Victorian dress code for the 2004 event.

Chris Penney, vice-chairman of the Overton Sheep Fair organising committee, said: "Because it's held every four years, it's always fresh. The theme just gives the whole thing an extra lift."

Other highlights included a women's equality marchand a carnival procession.

All The Gazette pictures taken at Overton Sheep Fair can be viewed and purchased through our photo sales website

11:05am Thursday 24th July 2008

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