Hull Fair will not be impacted by Hull City expansion - council

Hull Fair is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, with more than 300 attractions

The centuries-old Hull Fair will not be impacted by plans to create a sports village at Hull City's MKM Stadium, the city's council leader has said.

The Hull Daily Mail reported the club's £25m project could potentially see the fair moved from its Walton Street site.

But Councillor Mike Ross has said the council remained committed to the site.

Meanwhile, Tan Kesler, Hull City vice chairman, said: "We're not trying to expand stadium capacity, more trying to expand the match day experience."

The fair, which has a long tradition in the city dating back to 1293, is held on a 16-acre car park in the first week of October.

Mr Kesler told the BBC the aim was to transform the 20-year-old stadium into a "state-of-the-art facility where everyone can benefit including the community".

Proposed changes at the site would include community pitches and "multi-dimensional sports facilities" and, possibly, a hotel, he said.

However, Mr Kesler added he was not suggesting "we need to do something about Hull Fair".

"It is a significant and symbolic part of the city and we truly respect it and what it brings to the city.

"We are trying to find a way to exist together, but we're trying to give a 365-day experience as opposed to a 15-day experience to the citizens and fans of Hull City."

Tan Kesler, Hull City vice chairman, says Hull Fair is a "significant and symbolic part of the city"

Mr Ross told the BBC the authority welcomed the football club's plans for the site, which he said were "ambitious".

"It's just about finding a way that respects the traditions of Hull as well and one that works for everyone concerned," he said.

Mr Ross said the scheme would take time to develop and would not happen "overnight".

The Hull Daily Mail report said the plan potentially called "for a controversial relocation of Hull Fair from its historic Walton Street site".

However, Mr Ross said: "The stage we're at at the moment is there are detailed discussions going on between the club and the council in terms of what can be done there.

"What's encouraging is there is a commitment and an enthusiasm to make this work."

Mr Ross said the council did not want to see the fair's long history on the site lost.

"So that commitment to the Walton Street site remains," he added. "The council is confident we can accommodate both the ambition and scale that the club is after, while also protecting Hull Fair for the future as well."

Michael Cowie, chairman of the Yorkshire section of the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, said: "We have had confirmation from Hull City Council there are no plans to alter Hull Fair in any way or move Hull Fair to another site."

The guild "worked closely with Hull City Council on all aspects of the fair and will continue to do so", he added.