The Barnaby Fair has existed since the town received its Borough Charter by Earl Ranulf III, in the early part of the 13th century, and a second charter was granted by the future Edward I in 1261. The name is taken from the Feast Day of St Barnabas, and is thought to be in recognition of the contribution made by local archers and bowmen in the Crusades.

Over the years the celebration has changed, featuring festivals and fairs, parades and the annual holiday period for local mill-workers. It also became the holiday period for local schools and excursions by train and coach to seaside destinations, and continued as a local Maxonian holiday until the mid 1980s, apart from a couple of local business’ who kept the idea going as far as holidays were concerned.

However it looked like this local tradition would fade into history until a bunch of locals got together and rescued it as an arts and music festival. Now in its fifth year as well as the annual parade, various music and arts events are taking place around town, and an additional music fringe event. There are also a couple of events that will get you out and about around town and see you getting active and using your brains at the same time.

The ‘4th Great Barnaby Treasure Hunt takes place on Saturday 21st June where teams of up to five find themselves roaming around the town centre trying to solve the clues to reach the treasure. You will need to be quick witted, be capable of a spot of lateral thinking, and a bit of local knowledge wouldn’t go amiss as you will need to decipher the cryptic clues and challenges that will get you to the finish. A great way of spending the morning and aimed at children  with an adult, starting at 10.00am and finishing in time for the big parade in the afternoon, so get your team registered pronto. At just two pounds a person a fun way to begin your weekend, and starting at a great local café bar, The Snowgoose, a great choice for a relaxing pint after your exertions. I’ll hopefully be sat by the fire reading a good book.

If this has whetted your appetite then on Sunday afternoon you could experience ‘The Macc Nav Challenge’, starting at 2.00pm at The Town Hall. This is a navigational challenge which asks you to provide answers to a series of questions, each of which can be found at a specific point in the town centre. This urban orienteering competition has been created especially for the Festival. So why not have a go, see if you can find all the answers in the shortest time. Again this is suitable for all of the family, but teams must have an adult in them.

A great way to get out and enjoy the town and get some fresh air in your lungs at the same time. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself at how much you actually know about the town, and if not well its all about taking part and having laugh. The weather forecast shows cloudy but dry and temperatures should be fine, so a lightweight jacket and casual walking shoes could be the order of the day, but whatever you wear lets enjoy it.