Town fair set to be largest yet, council says

Loughborough Fair is more than 800 years old

This year's Loughborough Fair is set to be the largest yet, Charnwood Borough Council has said.

Due to take place from Wednesday to Saturday, the annual attraction is to expand into Derby Square and move further along Swan Street for its 804th edition.

The fair covers areas of the town centre, which include Market Place, Granby Street car park, Cattle Market, Ward's End and Bedford Square.

Jennifer Tillotson, the council's lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said the event was "memorable and popular".

The first official charter for Loughborough Fair was granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Depenser, in 1221 by King Henry III.

The fair will be officially opened on Wednesday at 17:00 GMT by the mayor of Charnwood, David Northage.

There will be additional road closures for this year's fair, covering the junction of Shakespeare Street through to Orchard Street, including Swan Street and Derby Square.

Granby Street, Ward's End, and Bedford Square car parks have been closed to facilitate the rides.

The Beehive Lane car park and Southfield Road car park are available during the hours of the fair.

The Southfield offices car park will also be open to the public outside of the council's opening times.