The man behind Ottery’s annual Pixie Day is celebrating 40 years of mischief and mayhem as peak-capped youngsters prepare to descend on the town.

Sidmouth Herald: Richard Coley with pixie day committee members Dawn Offer-Hoar,Catriona Paton and Jeremy Bateson. Ref shb 23 17TI 4090. Picture: Terry IfeRichard Coley with pixie day committee members Dawn Offer-Hoar,Catriona Paton and Jeremy Bateson. Ref shb 23 17TI 4090. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Richard Coley has overseen the festivities since 1977 after helping to revive the event started by Fred Godfrey in 1954.

As the then chairman of the scouts supports committee, he joined forces with the town guides group to start up the tradition and has been the chairman of the Pixie Day committee for more than 30 years.

The 80-year-old said his favourite part is seeing the unique tradition coming together, which begins with a fete on the Land of Canaan.

Mr Coley said: “I think it is a unique event; I haven’t heard of anything quite the same. A lot of the people who come have been pixies themselves and they see their children and even grandchildren doing it.

“It’s been going for a long time and there’s a lot of support from the town.

“The best thing is seeing it all come together. It is a marvellous event for the town and great to see it all come together and everyone enjoying themselves.”

The event will begin at 2.30pm on Saturday, June 17, in the Land of Canaan with a packed programme of events for all the family, including a pet show, stalls, tae kwon-do display, bar and barbecue.

Eyes will turn to the Square at 6.30pm for the retelling of the Pixies’ Revenge. This year, some 80 youngsters are set to dress up as mischievous pixies to re-enact the legend, ending with the unsuccessful ‘capture’ of the town’s bell ringers.

The fete will resume at 7pm with live music from Service & Reception and Dixie Green.