Roll up, roll up for Neath’s Annual September Fair!

The beginning of September once again sees Neath’s famous Fair, Wales’ largest and oldest chartered fair, open to the public.

Neath comes alive during the five-day festival each year as thousands flock into the town to enjoy the atmosphere. As entry to the fair is totally free, anyone can come along and enjoy themselves at an event recognised as the fourth largest Chartered Street Trading Fair in the UK.

The funfair, based at Milland Road car park and run by The Showman’s Guild of Great Britain, will run from the 6-10^th September, open from 6pm until late. Heart-stopping rides, side-shows, traditional funfair food stalls and ancient ceremonies are all part of the extravaganza.

As is tradition, the funfair will be officially opened by the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr Sheila Penry on Wednesday. As a gift to the children of Neath, the Showmen’s Guild will be handing out 10,000 half-price ride tickets so that the school children can make the most of the historic fair.

The Fair can trace its origins from the street market which has filled the town’s streets each September throughout the centuries. Over 140 stalls will be set up, selling products such as textiles, bulbs, plants, china and pottery. The market runs from Wednesday to Saturday, beginning at 9am each day. Many of the town’s shops will also be open late to coincide with the fair.

Thursday sees the Horse Fair return to the Cattle Market on The Green for one day only, from 8:30am until 2pm. As there is no parking on site, the Council is advising people to travel on foot to the event. Marshalls will be on hand to give advice and minimise disruption. Traders are also being advised that only horses with full passport identification can be traded at the horse sale.

All the fun of the fair will also be hitting the airwaves, with The Wave and Swansea Sound radio stations broadcasting live from the streets of Neath on two consecutive days. On Thursday 8^th September The Wave (?) will be broadcasting live from the fair from 3-6pm and on Friday 9^th September Swansea Sound from 4-7pm. (?)

As in previous years, the Milland Road car park closure is in force to facilitate the funfair. Neath multi-storey car park will have extended opening hours throughout the fair, staying open until 10pm with parking free of charge from 6pm-10pm.

Parking will also still be available at the car parks on Gnoll Road, Rosser Street and the High Street.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Ali Thomas said: “The Great September Fair is a Neath institution, with a history which can be traced back over 730 years and enjoyed through the generations.”

“The town centre plays host to a number of popular events each year and these play a vital role in showcasing the town and complementing our on-going regeneration programme. I would encourage people to come along and enjoy all the fun of the fair”

Mr Abie Danter, from the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, said: “A warm welcome waits when you join us at this historic and impressive traditional fun fair. Showmen from all over the UK will bring excitement, fun and laughter from riding the heart-stopping white knuckle machines to bumper to bumper fun, not forgetting the thrills of the children and traditional rides. From rides to stalls, we have it all”.