Hull Fair is back this October, bringing with it all the thrills, lights and atmosphere that make it one of Europe’s biggest and most historic travelling fairs.
The event opens at 5pm on Friday 10 October, with the Lord Mayor officially ringing the fairground bell to start the week. The fair then runs right through until Saturday 18 October, attracting around 600,000 visitors during its stay on Walton Street, next to West Park.
Opening times
- Friday 10 October – 17:00 to 23:00
- Saturday 11 October – 12:00 to 23:00
- Sunday 12 October – Closed
- Monday 13 – Friday 17 October – 14:00 to 23:00
- Saturday 18 October – 12:00 to 23:00
This year’s line-up includes hundreds of rides and attractions, with newcomers such as the Big Ben Tower – the UK’s tallest ride at 280ft – and the Skyfall drop tower promising to be highlights.
Getting there
As always, parking is restricted in the surrounding streets, and there will be limited availability at the MKM Stadium. Visitors are being encouraged to take advantage of the park-and-ride services from Priory Park and the Humber Bridge, or to use bus services that will be detailed on the council’s website.
A bit of history
Hull Fair’s story goes back more than 700 years to 1279, when a royal charter first allowed it to take place. Originally an Easter event focused on livestock trading and festivities, it moved to September before settling in October after the calendar change of 1752 – when locals protested the “loss” of 11 days.
Despite many traditional fairs being closed by law in the 19th century, Hull Fair continued to thrive and has been held on Walton Street since 1888. Before modern rides became the main draw, visitors came for music, circus acts, animal shows and unusual curiosities.
