THE ancient Ilkeston Charter Fair will be officially opened on Thursday 19 October at noon when the Mayor of Erewash rings the traditional bell outside the town hall.
The ceremony includes the reading out of the priceless original 1252 charter for the feast of fun – one of the oldest street fairs in Europe.
When King Henry III granted the charter it signalled an annual knees-up that centred on a market. Nowadays the fair is a mecca for lovers of gigantic travelling thrill rides, toffee apples and candyfloss. Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips will be joined at the opening ceremony by Erewash Borough Council Leader James Dawson, plus the authority’s Chief Executive Jeremy Jaroszek and other dignitaries.
The 771st Ilkeston Charter Fair unofficially kicks off at 6pm on Wednesday 18 October at 6pm and then runs from noon to 11pm until Saturday 21 October.
Photographers and reporters are invited to attend Thursday’s opening ceremony – at which the Mayor is expected to head for the dodgems in full regalia including his heavy chain of office. The full timetable, including when patriotic performer Johnny Victory sings the National Anthem, is attached.
