Hereford's May Fair

Heart-stopping rides, side-shows, food stalls and ancient ceremonies are all part of the street extravaganza which is Hereford’s May Fair.

The streets come alive during the three-day festival each year as thousands flock into the city centre, some from other counties, to enjoy the festival atmosphere and myriad of entertainment.

Up to 200 showmen and women from around the country make their way to Hereford to prepare for the May 6, grand opening.

Graham Jones, Secretary of the South Wales Showman’s Guild, said the Festival brought immense pleasure to many people and provided an economic boost to city trade with some High Town stores extending their hours for the busy period.

He added:” The fair is part of the tradition and unique fabric of Herefordshire - and long may it continue.

“In this day and age it’s important to hold on to these traditions and community gatherings and celebrations so our towns don’t all become bland and the same.”

The official opening of the Mayfair is at 3.45pm on the Tuesday, May 6, at Cathedral Green with the ceremonial offering of 12-and-a-half bushels of wheat by the Mayor to the Lord Bishop as payment for letting the fair proceeding.

To ensure the smooth running of the festival, some of the city streets will be closed from Monday, May 5, until the early hours of Friday, May 9.

Roads to be closed to traffic are Commercial Street, High Town, St. Peters Street, St. Owen Street, Broad Street (below junction of West Street and East Street), King Street and Bridge Street.

All of these streets will be accessible to emergency vehicles.

Advance warning signs will be on all routes leading towards the City centre advising of the closures.

As in previous years, diversion routes will not be signposted as, with so many possible permutations, such signing would be too confusing.

All of the other centre’s roads will operate as near normal as possible. However, this year two minor changes are being made.

Traffic in West Street will run as normal throughout the event.

All vehicles that have to access Widemarsh Street and High Street will have to leave the centre via East Street. There will not be an option to turn into West Street.

Meanwhile, the southern end of Berrington Street will be two-way between St. Nicholas Street and Little Berrington Street.

Whilst there will be a pinch point at the St. Nicholas Street end of Berrington Street, the benefits of traffic using the Broad Street “hinterland” should outweigh any difficulties that may be experienced.

Herefordshire Council urges drivers to be patient and considerate on the roads during the week of the fair.