Historic charter fair granted an extra day

The Home Office has granted approval for an extra day of Ilkeston Charter Fair

A fun fair believed to be one of the longest running in Europe has been granted permission to run for an extra day.

Ilkeston Charter Fair, in Derbyshire, was established by Henry III in 1252 and is set to take over the town centre once more with its rides and stalls in October.

After a formal request for an extra day by the Showmen's Guild was backed by Erewash Borough Council, outgoing Home Secretary Yvette Cooper granted permission to amend the charter.

The fair previously ran from Wednesday to Saturday, but the 773rd event will be open on Sunday too.

This year's event begins on 15 October at 18:00 BST.

The Sunday opening from 13:00 to 20:00 will include a "quiet time" for the first two hours, with no lights or music on the rides, to create "an inclusive and accessible environment".

Ilkeston's fair can now operate on Sundays too

Residents were consulted over the proposal last year, with the majority supporting the permanent change.

Children in the borough are being invited to design the programme cover for the event, with the winner invited to ring the bells at the opening as the charter is read by the town mayor.

Becca Everett, deputy leader of the council, which has helped run the event since 1974, said: "Being able to build on the joy of the Charter Fair with an additional day is not only wonderful for families who will get another day to enjoy the event together, but also an incredible opportunity for local businesses as they will see another day of increased footfall."

A previous plan to extend the fair was rejected by the council in 2019.