Proposal to extend historical fair by one day

A council is consulting residents over plans to extend what is believed to be one of the oldest fairs in Europe.

Ilkeston Charter Fair in Derbyshire will return for the 772nd time when it starts on Wednesday at 18:00 BST.

The event is set to run until Saturday as rides and stalls take over the town centre, with the official opening taking place on Thursday when the bells are rung by the mayor at 12:00.

The Showmen's Guild made a formal request to Erewash Borough Council for rides to continue until Sunday when the fair returns in 2025, with residents now being given a chance to give their views on the proposal.

The authority says the idea for the fair to permanently open on Sundays between 13:00 and 20:00 from next year will require approval from the home secretary.

Deputy council leader Becca Everett said: "The council wants to hear what you, as a resident or business, think about the idea of extending the charter fair."

The survey is open until 23:55 on 17 November.

A royal charter, made by Henry III in 1252 to establish the event, will be read out by the mayor in the town centre on Thursday at 10:30.

Rides will be open from 12:00 until 23:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Ilkeston town centre is closed to traffic during the fair and five car parks - South Street’s, East Street’s, Pimlico’s, Queen Street’s and Club Row off Gregory Street – will be closed.

The council says resident parking permits will not apply and that new safety barriers will be introduced this year on streets surrounding Market Place following consultations with police ahead of new public safety legislation.

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