The historic Corby Glen Sheep Fair returns next month after a break last year due to the pandemic.

Villagers are busily preparing for the 738rd sheep fair, which is believed to be the oldest sheep fair in the country, with it dating back to the charter granted by Henry III on 26th February 1238 AD.

After a first sheep sale earlier this month, the popular event kicks off properly with entertainment in the market place on the evening of Saturday October 2.

The next day there will be a whole range of attractions, with a promise of more stalls than ever before.

Sheep Fair committee chairman Toby Leete, who took over from Keith Raby, has thanked volunteers from the area and an organising committee for making the fair possible.

Toby commented in the fair's brochure: "Without their and your support, Sheep Fair could not exist and after hundreds of years we owe it to everyone to continue the tradition and keep it great!

"After all, this is the centre of the universe and it's the best Sheep Fair in the world."

Toby continued: "It's hard to pick out particular events as we packed a lot in, but we have great live music from the Groove Agents on Saturday night with an outside bar and great food offerings. Help fund this by buying a drink or two from us.

"A great band Revington Social Club and an amazing singer Melody Flyte will be on the main stage on Sunday too along with other exciting shows.

"The Funfair will be in town; the Sheep Show is here, our amazing Primary School is putting on a choir and the Dance Academy will wow us all, (as always) with some great routines!

"The Sporting Challenge in memory of Bailey Drew will be a tug-o'-war over the River Glen for a dunking of the losers…8 per team as normal, but 4 men and 4 ladies please per team - it is the 21st century (or if you're short 4 men dressed like ladies will do!).

"We have more Market Stalls then ever this year and as well as the Classic Cars we all love to see, we will also have classic tractors and bicycles!"

The event also promises new attractions including the Sheep Crow Competition and the Chilli Challenge. Villagers are asked to create 'a great sheep-like thing' and put it outside their house on Sheep Fair Day where they could win £50. Villagers and visitors can also taste the hottest chillis around.

Toby also said: "Thank you to all our stall holders, sponsors and raffle prize donors, you make a massive difference to our funding and making it a great day.

"Don't forget the Willoughby Gallery has a great exhibition on, the Church Rooms are open and a Church Service is held at 6pm.

"We have card machines for our outside bar, car parking and in the market square for raffle tickets this year (some amazing prizes like the hot air balloon flight for two!)."

He added: "Don't forget to visit the Sheep Auction on the Monday 4th October if you can make it.

"If you need help on the day look out for our Marshalls in their usual orange tops. In response to the COVID pandemic there will be hand sanitiser stations and we ask you to follow the government advice on the day with regards to masks and social distancing. Please be respectful to others views on this and above all have an

Sunday 3rd October, 10am-4pm

1. 00am Opening remarks from Sharon & Simon Harwood
2. 30am The Dance Academy
3. 00am Corby Glen Primary School Choir
4. 15am The Shaughrauns - electro acoustic Irish & Blue's
5. 00 Melody Flyte sings the Great American songbook
6. 00pm The Dance Academy
7. 30pm Presentation of the sporting challenge & sheep-crow
8. 45pm Live music with the Revington Social Club
9. 00pm Sheep fair chilli challenge
10. 30pm Live music with the Revington Social Club