Ilkeston Charter Fair has a rich history spanning 754 years, dating back to the original Charter granted by Henry III in 1252.

The Medieval Fair was held on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in August and consisted if a colourful mix of agricultural trade, travelling pedlars and entertainers. Later in history the agricultural calendar resulted in the necessity of holding a Statutes or Hiring Fair in October.

In 1888, it was thought necessary to amalgamate the August Charter Fair with the October Statutes and Wakes week, which had always run consecutively. As a result, one event was adopted from then on, being known as the Charter Fair, and this was held during Wakes Week in October.

The amalgamation of the Charter Fair certainly raised its status amongst showmen. The 1892 Fair featured two Menageries and a set of Steam Gallopers.

And the magnitude of the event is reflected in that in 1908, 48,650 people travelled on Ilkeston's trams during fair week.

The fair gained true respectability when Councillor H.E. Beardsley became the first Mayor of Ilkeston to officially open the fair in 1931. In 1952, the 700th Fair was celebrated by an official civic luncheon, with every school pupil in the town receiving a souvenir postcard of the Charter.