THE CENTURIES-old Wickham Horse Fair is descending on the Hampshire village again today.

Every year the travelling community gathers in the village to race their horses and carts up and down the streets in age-old tradition entertaining crowds with their bareback riding displays.

The event also extends to the evening when a fun fair is staged in the village square.

Three years ago the event was marred in controversy after a disagreement between event organisers and traders over what day the fair should be staged.

According to tradition the fair is held on May 20 except if it falls on a Sunday when it is moved to the Saturday before. But traders complained that it would mean a loss of Saturday business for two successive years and so the fair was eventually moved to the Monday after.

Two years ago fears were raised over staging the event due to foot-and-mouth restrictions. But last year's event did pass off peacefully.

Winchester city councillor for Wickham Therese Evans said: "The fair has always been a part of Wickham's history and it is something that is accepted. It goes almost as quickly as it arrives. Parts of it are very popular."

The event usually draws a police presence of around 40 officers to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists while the horses and two-wheeled carts are raced along the streets.

Sgt Amanda Smith of Meon Valley police said: "Most of our officers are there in a safety capacity. The road diversions do require intensive manpower as the traffic is directed away from village centre."

The Square has already been closed to traffic with more road closures being put in place throughout today.

Drivers are advised that the A334 Winchester Road through Wickham will be closed between 5am and 6pm between its junction with the A32 Hoads Hill in the south to the junction with Buddens Road in the north.

Southbound vehicles will be redirected left into Buddens Road, left in Station Road into Mill Lane, left into Bridge Street and out onto the A32. Northbound vehicles will be directed from the A32 into Bridge Street, Station Road and Buddens Road. In addition to direction signs, which have been in place for two weeks, police officers will be on hand to direct traffic at various points.