Ilkeston Charter Fair gears up for 771st event

A number of road closures have been put in place for the fair

Thrill rides and stalls will take over the streets of a Derbyshire town as what is believed to be one of the oldest fairs in Europe makes its return.

Ilkeston Charter fair is set to run for four nights from Wednesday.

It will be the 771st time the event has taken place after it was established by a Royal charter from Henry III in 1252.

Erewash Borough Council warned road closures would be in place from 05:00 BST on Tuesday to noon on Sunday.

The authority said it had spent months planning the event.

Becca Everett, Community Engagement Councillor said: "The fair is a highlight of the borough's calendar and thanks to our personnel working tirelessly it is an annual spectacle that we believe beats every other one in the area for family fun."

"If you are from outside the town and have never been before - get yourself to Ilkeston for the time of your life. But don't forget - parking is at a premium so we recommend using the rail station or catching a bus."

The annual fair, which the council said was one of the oldest and largest street fairs in Europe, is due to run until Saturday

The fair, which is free to walk around, starts at 18:00 on Wednesday and will then run from noon to 23:00 daily until Saturday.

Erewash mayor Frank Phillips will conduct the official opening by reading the charter in front of the town hall.

Ilkeston Market Place will be closed to traffic from 05:00 on Tuesday until noon on Sunday.

The council has published a full list of roads which are affected including Bath Street, Wilmot Street, East Street, Pimlico, Burns Street, Market Street, St Mary Street and Wharncliffe Road.

Some deliveries to local businesses will be allowed until 11:00 and bin collection days will also be altered for some residents.