THERE will be sheepish goings-on in Shipston on Bank Holiday Monday as the town gears up for its eighth annual wool fair.

More than 20 different breeds of sheep will be on show at the family as visitors learn about the town's wool connections throughout history.

Shipston was originally a Saxon settlement near a ford that was used as a sheep wash. The area around the ford was used for grazing sheep and Shipston was known for farming a breed of sheep, known as the Cotswold Lion, so called for it's lion-like mane. The town and its surrounding villages enjoyed great prosperity as a result of it's connection with sheep; a connection that evolved into the lively plush and shag weaving industries. The prosperity the industry brought to the town can still be seen in its fine Georgian buildings.

A major contributor to the revival of the towns past is the annual wool fair, held at the end of every May and celebrating all things woolly.

The highlight of the fair is the real life exhibition of sheep and lambs including many rare and ‘celebrity’ sheep. Some of the sheep will be brought to the fair with long coats, and will leave after being shorn in front of a captive audience using traditional shearing methods.

The event will also offer attendees the chance to watch and join in as the age old crafts of weaving, spinning and felting are demonstrated by some of Warwickshire’s finest experts.

There will be an abundance of games for children of all ages in the High Street. The day’s entertainment will be showcasing all that the local community has to offer through a musical line up. The ever popular Ilmington Morris Men will be performing, Shuvani Gypsy dancers, and a fantastic blend of contemporary music from some of the areas young musicians.

While the music plays, visitors will be able to browse among a variety of stalls that will be present in the square which will be selling local crafts, all things woolly, and much more besides.

St Edmund’s Church will be hosting a Flower and Wool Mix Festival and will be displaying a wool adorned tree in the courtyard. The flowers will compliment a display of wool uses, from wool in infancy at the font, wool in leisure and wool in crafts.

The fair runs all day from 10am to 4pm.