All the fun of the fair
Roll up, roll up . . . the countdown is now well underway for this year’s Ilkeston Charter Fair, one of the oldest and largest street fairs in Europe.
Ilkeston town centre will once again be transformed into a colourful spectacle when the historic fair packs into the Market Place and surrounding streets for its 765th year!
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 18 until Saturday 21 October and will once again be given a ceremonial opening on Thursday 19 October – when the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson, will ‘ring the bell’ to get the 2017 Charter Fair officially underway.
The traditional 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 to officially welcome the fair. Guests at the opening ceremony will include representatives from other local authorities in Derbyshire and local schoolchildren.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:
“This historic event brings thousands of visitors into the town every year to enjoy the lovely atmosphere and to experience the thrills and excitement on offer at this celebrated street fair. We are always proud to welcome the Charter Fair and watch as its transforms the centre into a colourful scene, while we all – both young and old – look forward to enjoying all the fun of the fair!”
The Fair transforms Bath Street, Market Place, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico. Attractions are open from 6pm-11pm on Wednesday 18 October and from 12 noon-11pm Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 October.
