03/10/2026
The Rood Fair is in full swing with lots of happy faces and sticky hands from candy floss. So we thought we'd share some Rood Fair Fun Facts.
1. The Rood Fair is one of Dumfries major fairs. It was originally granted a charter in November 1592! Historical sources suggest it was already well established before this date
2. It is one of only six remaining traditional street fairs left in Scotland.
3. The name comes from associations with Rood Day on 14th of September, a medieval festival which paid homage to ths Holy Cross (holy rood)
4. Historically the fairs in Dumfries were important events for the whole area. People would come to town to buy, sell and trade. Goods, services, livestock and labour were traded here. It later transitioned to entertainment.
5. The Rood Fair has brought big names to Dumfries in the past including Barnum and Bailey's Circus, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Manders Freak Museum and Biddal's Family Show and Bioscope.
6. The modern Fair features a mixture of attractions like the classic 1953 coronation waltzer, yankee flyer and carousels and tea cups to big thrill rides like The Freak Out and Air Raid. The fair also boast some great food. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for ours and swing by and say hello and grab some donuts to enjoy. Nothing beats hot fresh donuts and candy floss straight from the Fair. It just hits different.
7. Show families have attended the fair for generations. For many families the fair was a part of their family traditions and stories and histories. A ride at the fair isnt simply just the show man's business it is a lineage, a family occupation and identity handed down thru multiple generations with connections not just to being at the fair but with the individual pitches themselves. Albert is a fourth generation showman and has several rides on the fair.
8. The Rood fair has ran relatively uninterrupted thru the centuries with only a few exceptions. The cholera out break of 1832 and the covid 19 pandemic being notable closures.
9. In 2025 the official opening of The Rood Fair by ringing a bell was reintroduced. This was the first time this had been done in 80 years.
10. Be sure to come see us at our pitches tonight and tomorrow. We love to see everyone having fun and getting into the Rood Spirit!
Don't forget The Hut Dock Park is still open so pop down and see us at our permanent location for a put stop to rest your legs and boost your caffeine levels.
Share your favourite Rood Fair memories, photos and stories with us in the comment section!
Happy Rood Fair from everyone at The Hut
