play It’s a charter for Ilkeston fun again New Mayor of Erewash Support is available

The countdown is on to the biggest party in Ilkeston –the town’s spectacular annual Charter Fair.

The much-loved autumn festival of fun – one of the largest street fairs in Europe – kicks off on Wednesday 18 October although it does not officially open until the next day.

That is when the Mayor of Erewash Councillor Frank Phillips will ring a bell after the reading of the ancient 1252 charter for the fair, which was a decree by King Henry III. It begins with the historic words: “Know ye that we have granted . . . “

The Mayor - clad in official regalia including a chainthen usually heads straight for the dodgems.

The fair is open from 6pm-11pm on Wednesday and at noon until 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The opening ceremony on Thursday 19 October is at 11.15am and always draws huge crowds.

It is the 771st Ilkeston fair. And we have great news for residents – who can get discounts on a host of attractions with £10 worth of vouchers in this issue of EBC Today.

Erewash deputy leader Councillor Becca Everett, who is the council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “Amid the cost of living crisis we know every little helps.

“We want the fair to be a chance for families across the borough to have some fun.”