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Can ewe spot yourself in these images of the Swaffham Sheep Fair?
Kimberley Johnstone with her six week old pedrigree Blue Texel sheep named 'Sunday' at this years Swaffham Sheep Fair. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
The herds of visitors who flocked to Swaffham for the town's revitalised sheep fair came away with a clear message: This event is baa-ck for good!
The Swaffham Sheep Fair returned to the town on Saturday May 25. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
There were only a few woolly clouds drifting across the sunny skies over the dozens of stalls set up around Market Place for the fair, which became an annual event again last year after a lapse of about 60 years.
There were demonstrations of fleece spinning and weaving, while professional shearers showed spectators how a sheep is shorn.
Rare sheep breeds went on display before attracting bids in a mock auction which raised cash for half a dozen good causes.
Passers-by browsed vendors selling everything from daisy pots to diamond rings while the smell of lamb burgers and sausages wafted through the air.
A young lamb stayed close to its mother during the Swaffham Sheep Fair 2019. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
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Jill Skinner, town mayor, said she was delighted the fair had drawn so many visitors, and that a central part of Swaffham's heritage had at last been revived.
She said: "For 800 years we've had the market here. Apparently they used to drive the sheep down from the North and they used to come through Swaffham. We've had really good support for this event and it's a great way to promote the market here as well."
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Sue Dent, project support officer, added: "This was also a big sheep farming area. This fair is not only about sheep and wool but also about the food that we eat and getting your food locally."
Jordan Stone, co-owner of Melsop Farm Park in Scoulton, brought six rare breed sheep including Norfolk horn, ryeland, and a Hebridean, which is one of just three breeds which can have four horns.
Scarlett Mendham-Webb, 4 from Feltwell enjoying a family day out at the Swaffham Sheep Fair. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
Mr Stone said: "This is the second year we've done it and it's good to see more stands this year. It's great to see it back, especially if it keeps growing year on year. People have been really interested in the rare breeds, especially the Norfolk horn, because it's the local breed. They used to fill the market with sheep here."
Ed Colman, Swaffham county councillor, said fellow councillor Fabian Eagle and the town and district councils had all worked together to make the fair happen.
Businesses around the Market Place competed for the honour of 'best dressed shop window' with a sheep theme. The Sue Ryder charity shop took top honours and was presented with a framed certificate.
A young lamb stayed close to its mother during the Swaffham Sheep Fair 2019. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
A Leicester longwool sheep at the Swaffham Sheep Fair on Saturday. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
So soft. Jean Colvin, 68 from Swaffham at one of the trade stalls at this years Swaffham Sheep Fair. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
The Swaffham Sheep Fair 2019 proved popular with all ages. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Archant
