Description
A bright commemorative badge issued for the 1st Rupert Fair in Maidenhead on 11 May 1997, featuring a cheerful clown holding a balloon marked 51, with event ribbons reading Maidenhead May 1997 and Puddlet Fair. Although the illustration uses a clown rather than Rupert himself, this badge was produced specifically for the inaugural Rupert Fair, making it an unusual and desirable crossover item for Rupert collectors and local‑event badge collectors alike.
Rupert Fair — Event Background & Collecting Context
The Rupert Fair was launched in Maidenhead in 1997 as a community celebration honouring Rupert the Bear, whose creator, Mary Tourtel, has long-standing cultural ties recognised by fans and collectors. Early fairs combined children’s entertainment, charity fundraising, and
Rupert‑themed activities, with small‑run badges produced as official souvenirs. These first‑year pieces are particularly sought after because they mark the beginning of the event’s tradition and were produced in limited quantities. The 1997 badge is part of this first wave of memorabilia and represents the earliest physical artefacts associated with the fair.
Rupert Fair Maidenhead 1997 Badge – 1st Fair Commemorative Pin
£10.00
Description
A bright commemorative badge issued for the 1st Rupert Fair in Maidenhead on 11 May 1997, featuring a cheerful clown holding a balloon marked 51, with event ribbons reading Maidenhead May 1997 and Puddlet Fair. Although the illustration uses a clown rather than Rupert himself, this badge was produced specifically for the inaugural Rupert Fair, making it an unusual and desirable crossover item for Rupert collectors and local‑event badge collectors alike.
Rupert Fair — Event Background & Collecting Context
The Rupert Fair was launched in Maidenhead in 1997 as a community celebration honouring Rupert the Bear, whose creator, Mary Tourtel, has long-standing cultural ties recognised by fans and collectors. Early fairs combined children’s entertainment, charity fundraising, and
Rupert‑themed activities, with small‑run badges produced as official souvenirs. These first‑year pieces are particularly sought after because they mark the beginning of the event’s tradition and were produced in limited quantities. The 1997 badge is part of this first wave of memorabilia and represents the earliest physical artefacts associated with the fair.