Inverkeithing Lammas Fair
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Inverkeithing Lammas Fair | |
|---|---|
Inverkeithing Lammas Fair Rides 2025 | |
| Genre | Lammas Fair |
| Date | First week in August |
| Locations | Inverkeithing, Fife |
| Country | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Inaugurated | Before 1503 |
Inverkeithing Lammas Fair is an annual Lammas fair event held at Inverkeithing in Fife, Scotland. It is among the oldest Lammas fairs, dating to at least the 17th century, and is one of only two remaining in Scotland.
The tradition of Lammas fairs in Scotland is rooted in ancient harvest festivals.[1] Inverkeithing Lammas Fair dates from before 1503; the Lammas Fair of 1503 is recorded as being attended by King James IV. James IV attended again in 1508, and royal records show he had a large retinue in tow, including Pyke de la Mair and Pieris, a noted artist.[2]
The earliest written description of Inverkeithing's Lammas Fair Celebrations dates to 1648, and is found in the burgh records. It describes the fair as "...a great day for fun, frolic, fit races, ale and drunken folks, gentle and simple".[3]
The Lammas Fair is held in conjunction with Inverkeithing Highland Games, and has been since at least 1652.[4]
Inverkeithing Lammas Fair is one of only two still taking place in Scotland - the other is St Andrews Lammas Fair.[1]
