Fair returns after two year break (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Fair returns after two year break

8:25am Wednesday 5th December 2007

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ALL THE fun of the fair is set to return to Bromsgrove next June when the town celebrates its historic link with the past.

For the past two years the activities associated with the ancient Midsummer Charter Fair, granted by King John, has had to do without its main element - a funfair. Fairs have been held on or near June 24 for many years, even surviving two World Wars.

Last year the Recreation Ground was empty because of the Showman's Guild rule which requires 21 days to elapse between fairs operating in the same town.

Wilson's carnival fair in Sanders Park usually comes just a week after Fair Day.

Previously the rule did not apply as Anthony Harris, a relative of Pat Collins who had brought funfairs to Bromsgrove every June for over a century, was the established operator.

But this ended when he broke with tradition and pulled out two years ago.

Fair proprietor Thomas Jones agreed to step in last year, but was deemed to be a 'new' operator despite him having come to Bromsgrove with his family-run spring fair for over 50 years.

Bromsgrove's new Court Leet Bailiff, Dennis Norton, was determined there should be a Midsummer Fair this year and met with officials from the district council to set a date for fair day which will be June 21.

Garry Walmsley, who organised this year's carnival, was contacted by the authority and said he is more than happy to stage the 2008 event a month later thereby allowing Thomas Jones to stage a fair in June.

Mr Norton said: "I am delighted that an obstacle to a fair coming again to Bromsgrove for the Midsummer festivities has been removed."

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