The countdown to the 758th Ilkeston Charter Fair has begun.

THE first ever Ilkeston Charter Fair in 1252 was surely a Medieval mix of agricultural trade, travelling peddlars and entertainers.
These days the format may have changed but it is as popular as ever - and the 754th legendary fair, set to launch on

Wednesday, will be no exception.

Residents and visitors will flock to Ilkeston Town Centre until Saturday, October for the white knuckle rides, hook-a-duck, candy floss and hot dogs.

On Thursday, October 16, at 12noon, the Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Mike Wallis will officially launch the festivities in a tradition that dates back to 1931 when Cllr HE Beardsley became the first mayor of Ilkeston to officially open the fair. The ceremony includes the reading of the 1252 Charter by the Chief Executive and the ringing of the bells onstage at the front of Ilkeston Town Hall.

Some of the biggest and best travelling fairground rides in the country are included in the fair, with the latest white knuckle thrillers such as Equinox, Topspin and Seastorm, alongside family favourites such as the Gallopers, Waltzers and Dodgems.
The fair transforms Bath Street, the Market Place, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico into an urban theme park. Attractions will be open to the public from 6pm to 11pm on Wednesday and from 12noon to 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Cllr David Stephenson, Lead Member for Culture and Leisure Services, said: "The Ilkeston Charter Fair is a tradition stemming right back to Medieval times. It has of course evolved and changed over the years, but it is still enjoyed by local people and attracts visitors from far and wide.

"The council organisers and showmen taking part have all put a great deal of effort in to ensure it is an event for us all to remember. I would like to congratulate them for year-on-year making the Ilkeston Charter Fair a memorable and successful occasion. I look forward to this year's with great anticipation."
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, October 12;
• South Street - closed from 9pm Sunday, October 12;
• Queen Street and East Street - closed from 9pm Monday, October 13.
Road closures will be in force in the town centre from 5am on Tuesday, October 14. All roads and car parks re-open at 12pm the following Sunday, October 19. Bus diversions are as usual, with temporary stops situated on Queen's Drive.
12 October 2006