Featuring adrenaline-fuelled rides, side shows, food stalls and traditional fairground attractions, the May Fairs are a highlight of the local calendar. Showmen and women from across the country travel to Herefordshire each year to take part, helping create the vibrant street festivals that attract thousands of visitors.

Organised by the Morris Family and the Showmen’s Guild with support from Herefordshire Council’s Markets Team, the fairs bring together generations of travelling showpeople and local communities to celebrate this long-standing tradition.

During each three-day fair, the streets of Leominster and Hereford are transformed as residents and visitors – including many from neighbouring counties – gather to enjoy the festival atmosphere and wide range of entertainment.

Leominster May Fair will take place from 30 April to 2 May, followed by Hereford May Fair from 5 to 7 May.

Special sessions will also take place for children and adults with special educational needs, disabilities or additional needs. These sessions continue a long-standing tradition started more than 40 years ago by the Morris family and give visitors the chance to enjoy the fair in a welcoming and relaxed environment, with free rides and treats available. 

The Leominster session will take place on Friday 1 May at 10.30am, while the Hereford session will take place on Thursday 7 May from 10.30am to 11.30am, with participants asked to meet at the Bull Statue in High Town. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer, and the invitation is open to families, schools, residential settings and care providers from across Herefordshire.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when travelling to the fairs. Temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in place in parts of Leominster and Hereford while the events are taking place to allow the fairs to operate safely. 

People are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, follow local signage and consider using public transport or nearby car parks where possible. 

Abie Morris, on behalf of the Morris family, said:

“We are pleased to once again return to the town of Leominster so we can provide the pleasure and enjoyment that the fair gives to so many people. We look forward to seeing you and giving you a time to remember with the many attractions we will be bringing!”

Henry Studt, Chairman of the South Wales and Northern Ireland Section of The Showmen’s Guild, said:

“We are proud to present Hereford’s May Fair once again. A warm welcome awaits when you join us at this historic and impressive traditional fun fair. Come and join us for excitement and laughter from riding the heart-stopping white-knuckle rides to bumper-to-bumper fun, not forgetting the thrills of the children’s and traditional rides. From rides to stalls we have it all.”

Herefordshire Council, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Cllr Barry Durkin said:

“Once again, we are delighted to welcome the fairs back to the streets of Hereford and Leominster. With Hereford being the oldest surviving charter fair in Britain - King Henry I granted the charter to the Bishop of Hereford for the Hereford May Fair in 1121 - it makes this fair unique. Both fairs remain a popular and important part of our county’s heritage with many enjoying the various attractions. We encourage all fairgoers to come and enjoy the rides and attractions but to look to their own safety while visiting the events.”