Consultation results reports

Hereford May Fair consultation

More than 1,000 people took part in the consultation on the future of Hereford May Fair.

The results show strong support for retaining the fair in the city centre and recognition of its importance to Hereford's character.

At a glance

• 1,051 responses received
• 80% of respondents are Hereford residents
• 71% say the city streets remain the right location
• 70% do not think the fair should move elsewhere
• 73% believe the fair adds to Hereford's character and atmosphere
• 48% visit the city centre specifically to attend the fair

View the full Hereford May Fair consultation results

Leominster May Fair consultation

More than 300 people took part in the Leominster May Fair consultation, with results showing a generally positive view of the fair's role within the town.

At a glance

• 315 responses received
• 55% say the town streets remain the right location
• 52% do not think the fair should move elsewhere
• 60% feel the fair adds to Leominster's character and atmosphere
• 40% visit the town centre specifically to attend the fair
• 72% experience no significant disruption

View the full Leominster May Fair consultation results

Result of consultation

Thank you to everyone that took the time to take part in the consultation – as a result Hereford and Leominster's historic May Fairs will remain in their traditional locations following this public consultation which showed strong support for keeping the popular events in the heart of both communities.

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About the consultation

We are reviewing the future arrangements for the Leominster and Hereford May Fairs.

Existing contractual arrangements will need to be renewed in the future, and we want to understand the views of residents, businesses, visitors and stakeholders before decisions are made about how the fairs operate from 2028 onwards.

The consultation will help inform future planning and ensure a range of views are considered.

Background about the May Fairs

The Leominster and Hereford May Fairs are traditional travelling fairs featuring rides, stalls, food outlets and side shows.

They take place in the town and city centres each spring and attract thousands of visitors from across the county and beyond.

Hereford's fair is particularly historic, with its charter dating back to 1121, making it the oldest surviving charter fair in Britain.

When the fairs take place

In 2026 the fairs are taking place on:

• Leominster May Fair: 30 April to 2 May
• Hereford May Fair: 5 to 7 May

Each event typically runs for three days.

The council is not proposing to cancel the fairs

This consultation is about the future arrangements for the fairs, including how they operate and how they continue in the future.

The fairs are an important part of the county's heritage, and we are seeking feedback to help inform future decisions.

Who can take part in the consultation

Anyone can take part in the consultation, including:

• Residents
• Businesses
• Visitors to the fairs
• Stakeholders and community groups

We particularly welcome views from people who live or work in Leominster and Hereford, as well as those who regularly attend the fairs.

How to take part in the consultation

The consultation closed on 23 May 2026.

How we will use the feedback

All responses will be reviewed and considered as part of the council's planning for future arrangements for the fairs.

The feedback will help inform decisions about how the fairs operate from 2028 onwards.

Consultations privacy notice

Further information

If you have any queries about the consultation please email markets@herefordshire.gov.uk