In July 1986, Pilton turned back the clock 900 years and relived the days of William the Conqueror with a ‘Domesday Fair’ theme to what we think was the third Pilton Festival. This report from the North Devon Journal Herald on 17th July 1986 shows two scenes from the Saxon Street Market. The festivities also included a costumed pageant and a flower festival in St Mary’s Church, and were rounded off with a vension barbecue at Bradiford House and a torch-lit procession.
The pictures show Dr Howard Bluett and Mrs Jacquie Howe peddling bread and preserves, and Trevor Tucker being pelted with wet sponges – much like what had been happening at such fairs over those 900 years.