Ilkeston Charter Fair is one of the oldest and largest street fairs in Europe and will once again be given its ceremonial opening on Thursday 22 October when the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Val Custance, will ‘ring the bell’ – the official signal that this year’s 763rd Charter Fair is underway.
The traditional ceremony also includes a reading of the original 1252 Charter in front of Ilkeston Town Hall witnessed by local families and visitors, who join the showmen to celebrate and welcome the fair.
This year’s Charter Fair will be held from Wednesday 21 October to Saturday 24 October when Ilkeston town centre will again be transformed into a colourful spectacle as the rides and stalls packs into the Market Place and surrounding streets.
Guests at the ceremony will include representatives from other local authorities in Derbyshire and children from two local schools.
