The countdown to the 753rd Ilkeston Charter Fair has begun.

Date released 7-10-2005
The 753rd Ilkeston Charter Fair will take place over four days beginning on Wednesday, October 19.

The official opening is at 12noon on Thursday, October 20 when the Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Michael Wallis, takes to the stage at the front of Ilkeston Town Hall and reads from the 1252 Royal Charter. He will then ring the bells which herald this year’s fair under way.

Organised by Erewash Borough Council, the Charter Fair enjoys the distinction of a slot in the calendar of nationally-known autumn fairs which also includes Nottingham’s Goose Fair and the Great Hull Pleasure Fair.
Some of the biggest and best travelling fairground rides in the country are included in the fair, with the latest ‘white knuckle’ thrillers alongside traditional family favourites such as the Gallopers, Waltzer and Dodgems. Rides coming to town this year include Equinox, Move-it, Jump and Smile and other favourites are set to return.

The fair transforms Bath Street, the Market Place, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico into an urban theme park.
The attractions will be open to the public from 6pm to 11pm on Wednesday and from 12noon to approximately 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Cllr David Stephenson, the Council's Lead Member for Leisure, said: “It is 752 years since the first Ilkeston Charter Fair and we are looking forward to another super event this year. The Charter Fair is one of the highlights of the Erewash calendar and we shall again be welcoming visitors from far and wide.”
Showmen begin arriving in Ilkeston on the Sunday before the festivities. The following car parks will be closed to the public throughout the week to make way for their vehicles:

• Market Place (Pimlico) and Club Row (Gregory Street) – closed from 12pm Sunday 16th October;
• South Street – closed from 9pm Sunday 16th October;
• Queen St and East Street – closed from 9pm Monday 17th October.

Road closures will in force in the town centre from 5am Tuesday 18th October. All roads and car parks re-open at 12pm the following Sunday, 23rd October. Bus diversions are as usual, with temporary stops situated on Queen’s Drive.
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See Parking/Travel and Opening Times 

Ilkeston Fair 2005

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