Ilkeston’s Charter Fair returns!
It’s almost time for Ilkeston Charter Fair! Spectacular rides, excited children, music and bright lights will all help to celebrate the event’s 769th year in the town.
The town centre will welcome back one of the oldest and largest street fairs in Europe, transforming the Market Place and surrounding streets into a colourful spectacle. Make the most of everything the annual spectacle has to offer, and, as an added bonus, look out for the popular 50p discount vouchers offering money off certain rides inside the latest copy of EBC Today, which is out now.
The Charter Fair attracts thousands of visitors with some of the biggest and best rides in the country, from white-knuckle thrillers through to firm family favourites such as the big wheel and dodgems. Tempt your taste buds at the many varied food stalls offering everything from mouth-watering candy floss and crepes to delicious hotdogs and burgers, and traditional roasted chestnuts.
This year’s event runs from Wednesday 20 October until Saturday 23 October and will once again be given a ceremonial opening on Thursday 21 October starting at 11.45am and concluding at 12 noon when the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, will ‘ring the bell’ to get the 2021 Charter Fair officially underway.
The traditional ceremony, which includes the reading of the 1252 Charter, will take place outside the town hall under a covered walkway. Local families and visitors will 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. The opening ceremony will be streamed live on the council’s Facebook page.
Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Carol Hart, says:
“We are always proud to welcome Ilkeston Charter Fair and look forward to the town centre being transformed once again into a family-friendly colourful scene full of rides, lights and music. This year’s fair will be extra special after its unfortunate cancellation last year and I’m sure, like me, you are very excited and happy to welcome the historic and fun event back to the town.”
The Fair is situated in Bath Street, Market Place, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico. Attractions are open from 6pm -11pm on Wednesday 20 October and from 12 noon -11pm Thursday 21 October, Friday 22 October and Saturday 23 October.
