We appear to be of one mind when it comes to Hull Fair and the rituals that must accompany its arrival every October.

The habits and sayings that get trotted out - a major one has to be about Hull Fair weather, let's be fair - as the wagons roll into Walton Street strike a chord with anyone who has ever attended, or knows someone who has. Whether it’s about carving a path straight to Bob Carver’s stall or commenting about the lack of a Sunday opening, followers of the fair are pretty similar.

In a survey we conducted ahead of the arrival of last year's fair, you reacted in your droves to tell us whether you agreed with all the things that get said and done during a Hull Fair week. Many of you gave us your own reactions to the event, with the things you always say and do, even if you never planned to!

Just two words – “how much?” – seem to top the list of favourite phrases, but there are plenty more that get chanted during October’s annual visit by Europe’s biggest travelling funfair. Here is just a selection from the time-worn terminology you told us you revert to at this time every year.

“Hope it doesn’t rain”, from Maureen; “I can feel the Hull weather”, from Oz and “It always rains at Hull Fair”, from Richard, were among the many references to the unpredictable elements that seem to accompany the fair. With the strange summer we have had in 2024 this year's fairgoers could be experiencing almost any weather event, from a heatwave to snow.

Hull Fair food is always a hot topic
Hull Fair food is always a hot topic

Travel came into a number of the responses. Tracy commented: “On the bus going we always said first one to see the lights”, while Neil said: “Are we there yet?” and Colin posted his favourite phrase: “Parking is a nightmare.”

Danielle’s enthusiasm is reflected in her post: “First one to see the wheel gets 50p”. John joined in with his: “Never again, hurry and go, sick of traffic jams”.

“How much?” and a number of variations on the theme came from many of our followers. Sue said: “How mucccchhhh” was her most-used phrase; Jacqui resorted to capitals for her: “HOW MUCH!!!” and Ian added: “Well that’s me skint.”

Allan had a whole collection of sayings: “Getting a burger before we go to the rides. Saving 20 quid for goodies and brandy snap on the way out. Rides have gone right up! I won one of them the other year. Could go on …”

Stephanie also had a few alternatives to offer, posting: “Real expensive. Can’t wait to get home. I've had enough. Will you stop nagging.” She added: “But we love it really.”

Hull Fair favourite food stall Bob Carver’s cropped up a good few times. Kerri said she always declares: “Bob Carvers - the reason to get me there … then buying lots of tat.” Shell said: “Where’s bob carvers lol” and Kerry posted: “If we get parted meet me at carvers.”

Tracey offered this wisdom: “For the showmen and workers, the saying can often be ‘oh god, I got Hull Fair flu’, cos you can guarantee you get ill after being at Hull Fair. I know from experience lol.”