Anster Fair set to be revived this summer

The fair was immortalised in poetry in 1812 by William Tennant, whose home at 56 High Street is marked by a blue plaque. He wrote that even old men and women content to stay at home would have a desire to get out to experience the Anster Fair market day.

The festival’s Anster Fair will run morning and afternoon on the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend.

It will have a dedicated marquee on the Folly on the harbourfront and will bring together craft stalls and local artisan food sellers.

There will also be live music and children’s activities in the festival’s other marquee on the middle pier, and street entertainers and special events in the Fisheries Museum.

The music events will complement the traditional Anster Fair theme, with a pipe band parade, a Scottish country dancing event and a big ceilidh planned.

As ever, the Harbour Festival weekend will have a strong maritime theme, with the annual Anstruther Muster set to attract a crowd of visiting boats and the Classic Boat Rally of historic vessels.

This year’s festival is sponsored by McCarthy & Stone, which is developing the site of the former Craw’s Nest Hotel.

Regional managing director Steve Wiseman said: “We are delighted that our sponsorship has enabled the revival of the Anster Fair. I’m confident this year’s Harbour Festival will be one to remember.”