Roll up, roll up . . . the 763rd Ilkeston Charter Fair is on its way and will once again transform the town centre into a colourful spectacle with delights for all the family.
One of the oldest and largest street fairs in Europe, the Charter Fair attracts thousands of people when it rolls into town with some of the biggest and best travelling rides in the country, from white knuckle thrillers through to firm family favourites like the ghost train and dodgems.
This year’s event runs from Wednesday 21 October to Saturday 24 October and will be given its usual ceremonial opening at 12noon on Thursday 22 October when the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Val Custance, will ‘ring the bell’ to get the 2015 Charter Fair officially underway.
The ceremony, which includes the reading of the 1252 Charter, takes place in front of the Town Hall and sees local families and visitors gather round to join the showmen for the traditional opening.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:
“We are always very proud to welcome Ilkeston Charter Fair, which has been enjoyed by generations of families from across the borough. It brings such colour and excitement as it stretches across the town centre and generates such a great atmosphere – there is always lots of laughter and just a few squeals from those on the white knuckle rides! Once again, all of us – both young and old – look forward to enjoying all the fun of the fair.”
The Fair transforms Bath Street, the Market Place, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico. Attractions are open from 6pm-11pm on Wednesday 21 October and from 12noon-11pm on Thursday 22, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October.
