Ilkeston Charter Fair: Should it stay until Sunday?

The hard work of officials at Erewash Borough Council in staging one of Europe’s oldest and biggest street fairs again saw gigantic thrill rides take over the centre of Ilkeston for four days in 2024 as the authority began seeking residents’ views on the autumn spectacle being held over five days from next year.

The October Charter Fair – a mecca for rollercoaster lovers and fans of dodgems and waltzers – is currently held on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each year.  However, The Showmen’s Guild has made a formal request to the borough council for rides to continue on Sunday when the fair returns in 2025.

The idea is for Sunday opening from 1pm to 8pm to be permanent. That means the authority would need to seek approval from the Home Secretary – so it is asking residents what they think.

People are being urged to give their views in an online survey here.

The 772nd Ilkeston Charter Fair kicked off at 6pm on 16th October 2024, with its official opening held the next day – Thursday 17th October – when townsfolk gathered in their hundreds to witness bells being rung by the mayor at noon  Rides continued from midday until 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

In a message to residents, Erewash Borough Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Becca Everett, who is also Lead Member for Community Engagement, 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 11.55pm on Sunday 17th November – and we encourage everyone to have their say.”

The ancient fair dates back to 1252 when King Henry III granted a charter for it to be held. The official opening ceremony each year includes a reading of the charter – before the mayor usually head to the dodgems in full regalia.

The 2024 Charter Fair saw new safety barriers on streets surrounding the Market Place. It follows consultations with the police ahead of new public safety legislation.