The most important event in the town calendar was (and still is) the annual Common Riding, a ceremonial patrolling of communal boundaries on horseback, combined with various other activities.
2. Fairs, markets and auctions
In former times, the town had a number of ‘statutory’ fairs and markets (approved by parliament), the most important being the Summer Fair. By 1915, these were no longer determined by statute. The Summer Fair took place on the day before the Common Riding and there were regular livestock auctions.
3. Other events
Numerous other annual or periodic events were held by individual organisations (see Associations, Leisure and Churches), although many of these were curtailed by the war. Some examples are:
- Eskdale and Liddesdale Agricultural Society: annual show (cancelled during the war).
- Carpet bowls: annual New Year regional tournament (not cancelled).
- Churches: Sunday school ‘treats’, i.e. outings or parties (not cancelled).
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