Roll up, roll up . . . it’s all the fun of the 764th Ilkeston Charter Fair, which is back in town from Wednesday 19 October to Saturday 22 October.
One of the oldest and largest street fairs in Europe, the Charter Fair attracts thousands of people and transforms the town centre into a colourful spectacle with some of the biggest and best travelling rides and sideshows in the country.
This year’s event will be given its usual ceremonial opening at 12noon on Thursday 20 October when the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Abey Stevenson, will ‘ring the bell’ to get the 2016 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:
“Generations of families from across the borough have enjoyed the colour and excitement that the Charter Fair brings to town. It is a spectacular sight as it stretches out across the town centre, bringing fun for everyone – from the traditional side stalls and family rides to the white knuckle rides for all the daredevils!”
The fair transforms the Market Place and the surrounding streets – Bath Street, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico. Attractions are open from 6pm-11pm on Wednesday 19 October and from 12noon-11pm on Thursday 20, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 October.
