Honiton Hot Pennies hopes to celebrate 800 years in style

While it waits for updated news from the Government on the final lifting of Covid restrictions, the Hot Pennies Ceremony Committee is busy planning a bumper event to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of a charter to hold a market in Honiton.

The hope is that this will go ahead on 27 July this year but, if that proves not to be possible, all celebrations will be moved to 2022.

The big news for 2021 is that after many years' absence, the fair will be back on Allhallows Field from 2pm on Hot Pennies Day through to Friday, finishing to allow Charter Day to set up on the Saturday.

An exhibition of Hot Pennies through the years will be held at The Beehive and a window display competition will be held in Honiton town centre.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Honiton Town Crier Dave Retter said: "After having to miss Hot Pennies in 2020 due to Covid, we are really hoping that it will be possible for us to celebrate our 800th anniversary in style.

"We hope that people will want to come and support this ancient tradition, taking all necessary precautions at the time."

A number of entertainers will be in Honiton High Street on the day and a children's competition will be held to design their own mini version of the Hot Pennies Glove together with its garlanded pole.

Entrants will then be invited to accompany the procession through the town. A top prize of £50 will be offered for the best entry. For more details, please contact Dave Retter on 07761926628.

The committee would like to thank the support of Beviss & Beckingsale, Tesco, Honiton Town Council, Devon County Council and The Beehive, without whom the ceremony would not be able to go ahead.