There has been a long-running debate about whether Hull Fair should open on the middle Sunday but now fair operators are pitching a new idea to extend the fair.
This year’s event has proved a huge success with increased numbers but none of the bottle necks suffered on Walton Street in previous years. Last year there were scenes of bedlam on the first Saturday night with overcrowding and anarchic parking.
Some argue the Saturdays are under pressure because there are few days families can go together because of school and work. But Hull City Council say the fair not opening on the middle Sunday gives nearby residents "a break."
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The Yorkshire Showmen’s Guild has long argued for opening on the middle Sunday to ease that pressure. But now chairman Michael Cowie is pitching a new idea.
He said: “It was great to see we had no major issues or problems this year even though attendances increased. But we are still pushing for a Sunday opening.
“Some say not opening on the middle Sunday is what makes Hull Fair unique. We are now looking at whether we can open on the last Sunday rather than the middle one. That is an option. It would allow another day for families but still give residents a break in the middle.”
The original reason why the fair wasn’t open on Sundays was because it gave people coming from the Nottingham Goose Fair the chance to get here and set up on the Sunday. But now the Goose Fair is open on the Sunday anyway so they don’t get here until the Monday.
Hull City Council has always dug its heels in on keeping Hull Fair closed on the Sunday. The local authority says it is important to give the residents living nearby a break. The council regularly consults residents and says the overwhelming feeling is to keep the fair closed on Sunday, whether the middle one or at the end.
A spokeswoman for the council said: “Listening to residents is really important to us. Hull Fair is a very intense experience for people who live in the Walton Street area. It has traditionally not operated on a Sunday, to give those nearby residents a break.
“The last time we asked, residents were keen to keep it this way, and we feel we need to balance the needs of those wanting to operate and attend Hull Fair with the needs of those who live next to it.”
Mr Cowie was keen to point out the impact the fair has on the local economy. He says fair operators and stallholders are important to businesses roundabout.
He said: “We are like a town within a town. There are 200 families who come during Hull Fair and lots of local businesses benefit.
“While we were there we would drink in the local pubs and buy groceries from local shops. We don’t just turn up and take what we can. We always put something back into the community which includes fundraising for local good causes.”
What Hull Fair operators probably fear most is an issue with the rides. There is usually the odd issue with a ride each year and, on very rare occasions, injuries can occur. But this year there were no such incidents.
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Mr Cowie said: “We had no breakdowns at all this year. It is great people have been doing their jobs properly. But taking down and putting up the rides regularly we will spot any flaws or issues which we can deal with. Safety is very important and we just want people to enjoy the rides and make memories.
“We are also pleased there was no issue with overcrowding on Walton Street this year. In previous years it was a little scary with so many people. If people feel unsafe then they won’t enjoy their visit. We are glad the measures put in place worked so well.”
The fair will have an early start next year with the huge event kicking off on Friday, October 4 and going on until Saturday, October 12.
Mr Cowie said: “Hopefully next year will be even bigger and better. Hopefully, we will have a couple of new rides which will excite people. The rides are always improving.
“We would like to thank the people of Hull for welcoming us once again. We hope people enjoyed their time and came away with plenty of memories. We hope to do the same next year.”
