Retford Charter Day 2026 will take place on Bank-Holiday Monday, 4th May 2026, across historic Retford in north Nottinghamshire.
What is Retford Charter Day?
Retford Charter Day is the town's beloved annual food, craft, and festival fair that celebrates a pivotal moment in the town's history: the grant of a royal charter to Retford in 1259 by King Henry III. This historic charter awarded the town the right to hold an annual eight-day fair "for the improvement of the borough," marking Retford's formal recognition as an important market town and cementing its status as a royal borough, second only to Nottingham in Nottinghamshire.
The modern Charter Day celebration honours this medieval heritage whilst bringing the community together for a vibrant day of entertainment, local crafts, delicious food, and family fun. It's a volunteer-run, not-for-profit event that embodies the spirit of "all-for-Retford," showcasing the very best of what this historic market town has to offer.
What to Expect in 2026
Based on the tremendous success of previous years, Charter Day 2025 attracted over 10,000 attendees, and the 2026 event promises to be even bigger and better. Here's what you can look forward to:
Timing and Location
The event runs all day across historic Retford, providing hours of continuous entertainment and activities for all ages. The festivities spread throughout the town centre and Kings Park, allowing visitors to explore Retford's charming streets whilst enjoying the various attractions and stalls.
Stallholder Variety
One of the highlights of Charter Day is the diverse range of stalls that line the streets. Local artisans, craftspeople, food vendors, and businesses set up throughout the town, offering:
- Handmade crafts and gifts - Perfect for finding unique, locally-made items
- Delicious food and drink - From traditional British fare to international cuisine
- Local produce - Supporting Retford's farmers and food producers
- Arts and crafts - Showcasing the talent within the local community
- Vintage and antique items - Treasure hunting for collectors and enthusiasts
- Children's activities - Interactive stalls designed to engage young visitors
- Duck Race - The iconic duck race through Kings Park
- Fun Fair - Rides for all ages
Free Entertainment for All the Family
True to its community spirit, Charter Day offers free entertainment throughout the day for visitors of all ages. Previous years have featured:
- Live music performances from local bands and musicians
- Street entertainers and performers
- Children's activities and workshops
- Historical re-enactments celebrating Retford's medieval heritage
- Dance performances
- Interactive demonstrations
The free entertainment ensures that Charter Day remains accessible to everyone, creating an inclusive celebration that truly brings the whole community together.
A Celebration of Retford's Medieval Heritage
Charter Day isn't just a fun fair—it's a meaningful celebration of Retford's long and fascinating history. The 1259 royal charter was a turning point for the town, granting it valuable trading rights and establishing its importance in north Nottinghamshire. By the medieval period, Retford had become the main town of the Bassetlaw Hundred and hosted the Quarter Sessions for North Nottinghamshire.
The charter granted Retford the right to hold an annual eight-day fair, which would have attracted merchants from across the region and beyond. These medieval fairs were crucial to the town's prosperity, dealing in cattle, horses, cheese, hops, and other goods. Today's Charter Day continues this tradition of bringing people together for trade, celebration, and community, connecting modern Retford with its medieval past in a tangible and joyful way.
Get Involved: Stallholder Bookings Now Open
Whether you're a local business owner, a talented craftsperson, or a food vendor looking to showcase your offerings, Charter Day provides a fantastic opportunity to reach thousands of potential customers whilst supporting a beloved community event.
Stallholder bookings are now open for 2026.
To secure your spot at this year's event, contact the organisers at: contact.retfordcharterday@gmail.com
With over 10,000 attendees expected, Charter Day offers excellent visibility for your business or craft. The volunteer organisers work hard to create a diverse mix of stalls that will appeal to all visitors, so don't miss your chance to be part of this special day.
The Volunteer Spirit
What makes Retford Charter Day truly special is that it's entirely volunteer-run and not-for-profit. Local residents donate their time, energy, and expertise to organise and execute this major community event, driven by pride in their town and a desire to celebrate its heritage.
This volunteer ethos means that every penny raised goes back into making the event better and supporting the local community. It's a genuine grassroots celebration, organised by Retford residents for Retford residents and visitors alike. The dedication of these volunteers ensures that Charter Day remains an authentic, community-focused event rather than a commercial venture.
Planning Your Visit
When to Arrive
With the event running pretty much all day, we recommend arriving early to make the most of your day. The morning tends to be slightly quieter, giving you a chance to browse the stalls before the crowds build up. However, the atmosphere throughout the day is wonderful, so arrive whenever suits your family best.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes - You'll be doing plenty of walking as you explore the stalls
- Cash and card - Whilst many stallholders accept card payments, it's wise to bring cash as well
- Reusable bags - For all the wonderful items you'll purchase
- Sun cream and hats (if the weather's nice) or umbrellas and raincoats (this is Britain, after all!)
- A hearty appetite - The food stalls are not to be missed
Family-Friendly Tips
Charter Day is designed with families in mind:
- The free entertainment provides regular breaks from shopping
- Children's activities keep younger visitors engaged
- The variety of food options means even fussy eaters will find something they enjoy
- Pushchairs can navigate most areas, though some streets may be crowded during peak times
Getting to Retford
Retford is well-connected and easily accessible:
By Train: Retford railway station sits on the East Coast Main Line, with regular services to London King's Cross, Doncaster, and beyond. The station is a short walk from the town centre where Charter Day takes place.
By Car: Retford is close to the A1(M), making it easily accessible from across Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and beyond. Various car parks are available in the town centre.
By Bus: Regular bus services connect Retford with surrounding towns and villages.
Why You Should Attend
Retford Charter Day offers something rare in today's world: a genuine community celebration that honours local history whilst bringing people together in a spirit of fun and fellowship. Whether you're a Retford resident, a history enthusiast, a foodie, a craft lover, or simply someone looking for a fantastic family day out, Charter Day 2026 promises to deliver.
With over 10,000 attendees expected, diverse stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious food, free entertainment throughout the day, and the chance to explore historic Retford at its most vibrant, Charter Day is an event not to be missed.
Mark Your Calendars
Monday, 4th May 2026 Historic Retford, North Nottinghamshire
Whether you're planning to visit, considering becoming a stallholder, or thinking about volunteering, Retford Charter Day 2026 is an event that celebrates the best of this historic market town. It's a day when medieval heritage meets modern community spirit, when local businesses thrive, and when thousands of people come together to celebrate all that makes Retford special.
Book it in your diary now—Retford Charter Day 2026 is coming, and you won't want to miss it!
For stallholder enquiries: contact.retfordcharterday@gmail.com
Follow Retford Charter Day on Facebook for updates and announcements as we get closer to the big day!