Heffle Fair in Cade St, Old Heathfield

Heffle is the old local name for Heathfield in Sussex, and they have a Cuckoo Fair each April to mark the arrival of spring. It all began in 1315 when the Bishop of Chichester obtained permission to hold a weekly market and an annual fair, and though there have been some gaps in the schedule, it’s well established today as a charity fundraiser for Demelza, the local childrens hospice.  Expect morris dancing, a funfair, displays such as falconry, music, crafts and classic vehicles as well as a carnival parade and Dame Heffle, who  releases a cuckoo from her basket making the event unique . Cuckoos can be hard to find when you need one, so don’t be too surprised if the released birds look like pigeons! The fair ends with a barn dance in the evening.