Heart-stopping rides, side-shows, food stalls and ancient ceremonies are all part of the street extravaganzas which comprise the Leominster and Hereford Mayfairs.
Showmen and women from around the country will make their way to Leominster and Hereford for the events which have not been held since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic.
The streets come alive during each three-day festival as thousands flock into the town and city centre, including some from other counties, to enjoy the festival atmosphere and myriad of entertainment.
Leominster fair will take place 28 – 30 April inclusive, and Hereford 3 – 5 May inclusive.
Abie Morris, on behalf of the Morris family, said: “We are pleased to now be able to return to the town of Leominster so we can provide the pleasure and enjoyment that the fair gives to so many people. We look forward to seeing you and giving you a time to remember with the many attractions we will be bringing!”
Dean Deakin, Chairman of the South Wales and Northern Ireland Section of The Showman’s Guild, said: “We are proud to present Hereford’s Mayfair once again. A warm welcome awaits when you join us at this historic and impressive traditional fun fair. Come and join us for excitement and laughter from riding the heart-stopping white knuckle rides to bumper to bumper fun, not forgetting the thrills of the children and traditional rides. From rides to stalls we have it all.”
Cllr Ange Tyler, Herefordshire Council Cabinet member for Housing, Regulatory Services & Community, said: “Both fairs remain a popular and important part of our county’s heritage. We are delighted to welcome them back to the streets after a two year hiatus and encourage all fairgoers to visit safely as they enjoy these events”.
Further details on the fairs can be found on the website.
Travel and transport
Leominster Fair takes place in part of Broad Street, as well as Corn Street, Victoria Street and Corn Square which are closed to traffic during this time.
For Hereford, to ensure the smooth running of the event, some of the city streets will also be closed during the period of the fair. The roads to be closed to traffic will be:
- Commercial Street
- High Town
- St. Peters Street
- St. Owen Street
- Broad Street (below junction of West Street and East Street)
- King Street
- Bridge Street
Some parking/loading/unloading areas will also be closed in Union Street and in the streets mentioned above. Closure times will be from 5pm on Monday 2 May through to 7am on Friday 6 May.
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 3 – 5 May. 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.
All of Gwynne Street will be two-way during the fair and motorists are asked to take extra care if using this route.
As part of the preparations for the Hereford May Fair, Herefordshire Council will be temporarily relocating a number of planters to allow sufficient space for the event set up.
As a result:
- Bridge Street will be closed for approximately 1 hour between 7pm and 11pm on Monday 25 April.
- High Town and St Peters Street will be closed for approximately 1 hour between 7pm and 11pm on Tuesday 26 April and Wednesday 27 April.
- St Owen’s Street and Cantilupe Street will be closed for approximately 1 hour between 7pm and 11pm on Thursday 28 April 2022.
- Broad Street and King Street will be closed for approximately 1 hour between 7pm and 11pm on Friday 29 April.
- A parking restriction will be in place on Aubrey Street from 28 April 2022 until 6 May 2022.
The road closures will be in place for safety reasons due to the works involving the use of heavy machinery. All planters will be moved back to their original locations after the May Fair has ended.
If you have any questions, you can email Herefordshire Council / Balfour Beatty at Herefordshire.projectcomms@balfourbeatty.com or Tel: 01432 261800
