When?

August

Where?

Goldsithney 

Goldsithney Charter Fair takes place on the first Saturday of August every year as a revival of a feast day once associated with the village of Sithney.

Goldsithney Fore Street in 1904, showing the Trevelyan Arms
Fore Street in Goldsithney, 1904. The building on the left is the Trevelyan Arms Reproduced courtesy of Mac Waters as featured on cornishmemory.com
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Legend states that a wrestling match was held in Sithney every St James’ Day. On one occasion, a tinner (miner) from Goldsithney won the event and permanently moved it to his home village, along with the symbol of the feast: the Red Glove. 

Cornish wrestling match
A Cornish wrestling match between David Hocking and Jeremy Treloar
Reproduced courtesy of Paul Yockney as featured on cornishmemory.com

The type of wrestling traditionally associated with the Charter Fair is Cornish wrestling, sometimes known as “Wrasslin”. This sport is more like martial arts such as Judo than 21st century wrestling, and involves the use of specially made jackets to outwit your opponent and throw them to the floor. The modern Charter Fair includes a procession from the community hall to the heart of the village, led by local bands. During the day, music and stalls can be found in the nearby playing field. The symbol of the feast, the Red Glove, is still part of the celebrations, as is a reading of the Goldsithney Charter.

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