2025 May fair dates
- Leominster – 1 May to 3 May inclusive
- Hereford – 6 May to 8 May inclusive
Hereford May Fair
Heart-stopping rides, side-shows, food stalls and ancient ceremonies are all part of the street extravaganza which is Hereford’s May Fair. The fair has been taking place for over 900 years.
A ceremonial proclamation of the historic St Ethelbert’s May Fair officially opens the fair, offering 12-and-a-half bushels of wheat by the Mayor to the Lord Bishop as payment for allowing the fair to proceed.
The Hereford May Fair takes place on the first Tuesday to Thursday following the first Monday in May.
Opening times:
- Tuesday 3.45pm to 11pm
- Wednesday 12 noon to 11pm
- Thursday 12 noon to 11pm
These are the times between which attractions are allowed to operate. Not all rides will necessarily be open at all times.
Leominster May Fair
Leominster May Fair is a smaller traditional fair held in selected town centre streets each April or May.
The Leominster May Fair takes place on the Thursday to the Saturday before the first Monday in May.
Road closures for Leominster May Fair
Corn Street, Corn Square, Victoria Street and Broad Street (part) in Leominster will be closed from 6pm on Wednesday 30 April until 8am on Sunday 4 May 2025.
Road closures for Hereford May Fair
To ensure the smooth running of the festival, some of the city streets will be closed during the period of the fair.
The roads closed to traffic from 5pm on Monday 5 May until 7am on Friday 9 May 2025 are:
- Broad Street from its junction with West Street/East Street to its junction with King Street
- King Street from its junction with Broad Street to its junction with St Nicholas Street/Bridge Street
- Bridge Street from its junction with St Nicholas Street to its junction with Gwynne Street
- St Owen Street from its junction with St Peters Square to its junction with St Ethelbert Street
- St Nicholas Street from its junction with Bridge Street/King Street to its junction with Berrington Street
- High Town
- Commercial Street
- St Peters Street
Some parking, loading and unloading areas will also be closed in Union Street and in the streets mentioned above.
In addition, Widemarsh Street (from its junction with Blueschool/Newmarket Street) and High Street will be closed to traffic from 4.30pm to 11pm on 6 to 8 May 2025. This will make High Street a safer pedestrian area for fair goers.
All of these streets will be accessible to emergency vehicles.
Advance warning signs will be on all routes leading towards the city centre advising of the closures.
Diversion routes will not be signposted because, with so many possible permutations, such signing would be too confusing for motorists, especially visitors to the city.
All of the other city centre roads will operate as near normal as possible.
All of Gwynne Street will be two-way.
There may also be additional congestion for traffic using St Martins Street for access onto the A49 during the period of the fair.
Herefordshire Council urges drivers to be patient and considerate on the roads during the period of the fair.
For enquiries please contact markets@herefordshire.gov.uk
Ludlow May Fair 2025: Fun, Tradition, and a Unique Sunday Service!
From Ludlow Town Council:
The Ludlow May Fair is set to return for 2025, bringing four days of excitement, tradition, and community spirit to the heart of the town! Running from Thursday, May 1st to Monday, May 5th, this much-loved event promises thrilling rides, delicious treats, and family fun for all ages.
One of the most unique highlights of the weekend will be the traditional Sunday Service on the Dodgems, taking place on Sunday, May 4th at 11:30 AM. This special gathering offers a light-hearted yet meaningful way for the community to come together in a truly unforgettable setting.
Town Clerk Gina Wilding shared her enthusiasm for this year’s fair:
“The Ludlow May Fair is a treasured part of our town’s history, bringing joy to residents and visitors alike. We are especially delighted to continue the tradition of the Sunday Service on the Dodgems, which is a wonderful way to celebrate community, faith, and fun in a way that is truly unique to Ludlow.”
What to Expect at Ludlow May Fair 2025:
Thrilling rides including waltzers, dodgems, a classic carousel, and the ever-popular big wheel.
Traditional fairground games with prizes for all ages.
Delicious food stalls serving everything from candyfloss and toffee apples to hot doughnuts and street food.
Sunday Service on the Dodgems – a joyful and informal celebration hosted by local clergy, welcoming all to take part.
As always, there will be temporary town centre road closures in place during the fair, from 5:00pm on 30th April 2025 until 10am Tuesday 6th May in High Street, Mill Street, Castle Square, Dinham between Castle Square & Camp Lane; through traffic is prohibited from travelling north on Broad St between Bell Lane and High Street; and the one way traffic order for Bell Lane is suspended. We ask that all cars are removed from Mill Street by 4:30pm on Wed 30th April.
The Ludlow May Fair is a highlight of the year, combining history, community spirit, and good old-fashioned fun. We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of laughter, excitement, and celebration in our beautiful town!
For more information and updates, please visit www.ludlow.gov.uk and Ludlow Town Council Facebook page
