THE LONG-STANDING Bridgwater fair in St Matthews Field is set to return this Wednesday September 27.

Although the annual fair has been held in the same field for over 600 years, each edition of the event sees some exciting changes.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said "We are really looking forward to this year's Bridgwater Fair.

"We work hard to provide the traditional markets for visitors to enjoy, alongside the Showman's Guild rides and stalls.”

Dates and times

Councillor Mike Best, Mayor of Bridgwater, will open the fair at 11am on Wednesday, alongside councillor Mick Lerry.

Also on Wednesday will be the traditional one-day horse fair and market in the top of the field, as well as the opening of the West Street market.

The fair will be open from 11am until 11pm on Wednesday September 27, 1pm to 11pm on Thursday September 28, 1pm to 11:30pm on Friday September 29, and 11am to 11pm on Saturday September 30.

Road closures

A statement from Somerset Council reads: "West Street and adjacent roads will be closed from 9am on Tuesday September 26 and will re-open at 10am on Sunday October 1.

"Diversion routes will be signposted."

Full details of road closures can be found in a Bridgwater Mercury article from earlier this week.

Parking

Bridgwater Rotary Club, located in St Matthews Field, will provide limited parking for the fair from Thursday onwards. 

Attendants can also park in pay and display car parks in the town centre. 

Somerset Council owned car parks are free to use from 6pm.

Parking restrictions will be in place in some residential streets which connect to Fairfield and lower Durleigh Road.

Somerset Council strongly advises attendants to use car parks instead of opting for on-street parking.

Health and safety

Somerset Council will fund public conveniences, first aid (St John's Ambulance), night-time security, and generators for the duration of the fair, as well as completing health and safety checks on rides, and providing skips for waste.

Food stalls selling traditional snacks such as Welsh cakes, brandy snaps and toffee apples, will also be subject to inspection by the council.

£5 off rides

To get £5 off rides at the Bridgwater fair this year, make sure to pick up your copy of the Bridgwater Mercury from this Tuesday September 26.