What Hull Fair bosses say about prices at this year's event

Prices for rides, food and stalls at this year’s Hull Fair should not see any significant rise, a Hull Fair boss has confirmed.

The last 18 months has seen big rises in energy and food costs while inflation reached 11 per cent at one point. While energy costs and inflation have come down slightly, many people are still suffering during the cost of living crisis.

With Hull Fair now just a month away, chairman of the Yorkshire Showmen’s Guild Michael Cowie told Hull Live large price hikes would drive fairgoers away.

Read more: Hull Fair 2023 – everything you need to know about the return of the huge annual event

He said: “I am not expecting prices to rise this year really. There is a limit to what we can all charge before you get to the point when people simply can’t afford it.

“While we have seen our expenses rise over the last two years but so have our customers. We cannot pass all that on to them. We have to consider a ceiling to set or we will drive people away.”

Mr Cowie says preparations for Hull Fair are well on track but he says he is not in a position yet to reveal what new or revamped rides will be coming to Hull.

“We have had various meetings with Hull City Council’s events team and everything is going to plan,” he said.

“I don’t have a full ride list at the moment so I don’t want to speculate about what might be coming in case they don’t arrive. But there is always a wide variety of rides and plenty for customers to enjoy. There is usually always something extra, whether it is a brand new ride or a new version of an old favourite.”

One issue which remains a big topic for debate is whether the fair should be allowed to open on the Sunday. The Showmen’s Guild has pushed hard for this for the last few years but the council has stood firm.

The guild wants to open on Sundays for families and those who work through the week but the council says nearby residents do not want it.

“We are always pushing for Sunday opening, “Mr Cowie said. “Sadly, that won’t be happening this year.

“We feel it would be an asset as it gives those working during the week or on Saturdays the chance to attend. Other attractions, such as Alton Towers, all open on a Sunday. We often have people turning up on a Sunday and are disappointed when they find out the fair is closed.

“It would also ease the issues we often get on the first Saturday when there are parking problems and congestion in some areas."

Mr Cowie hopes people have a good time but is pleading for fair goers to act responsibly and take safety seriously. And he has a tip for parents if they were to lose their child at the fair.

“My message is for people to just come and enjoy themselves,” he said. “We want people to have a fantastic experience. But safety is a priority and people should make themselves familiar with the surroundings. They should also take note of the warning signs and safety notices. We do not want people to mess about on the rides, they are not toys.

“People should also familiarise themselves with the emergency stations, first aid areas and lost children facilities. We often have lost children found in minutes but tracking down the frantic parents can take a couple of hours. I suggest parents put a note of their number in the pockets or somewhere on the child so they can be contacted straight away.

“Ultimately, we want people to come down and enjoy themselves but they need to do so safely.”

Hull Fair will take place from Friday, October 6 until Saturday, October 14 but will be closed on Sunday, October 8.