THE highly anticipated Bridgwater Fair returns to St Matthew's Field for another year of rides, food, music and more.

Known as “the largest fair in the south west”, the fair has been around for almost 800 years, bringing in roughly 40,000 visitors every year.

This year’s Bridgwater Fair will start on Wednesday, September 25 and ends on Saturday, September 28. 

The fair is being held on St Matthews Field (TA6 7HD) the same place it has been held for the last 600 years.

The popular event is organised by the Showman’s Guild, with Bridgwater Town Council organising the market elements of the event.

Opening times:

 Opening and closing times for the fun fair are:

  • 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Wednesday;
  • 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Thursday;
  • 1:00 pm to 11:30 pm on Friday and
  • 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Saturday.

Following tradition, the fair will open on “fair Wednesday” at 11am by the Mayor of Bridgwater, which is Wednesday, September 25 this year.

West Street and Fairfield Markets:

The West Street Market will be open from 10 am to 10pm on each day of the fair.

Traders from across the UK attend the West Street and Fairfield markets with products ranging from clothing and shoes, rugs and cushions, bulbs and plants, china and pottery, as well as culinary delights such as the famed Welsh cakes, brandy snaps, preserves and jams and much more.

Road closures:

Detailed road closure information is available to be viewed in the Bridgwater Mercury.

Road closures come into place at 9am Tuesday, September 24 and are lifted at 10:00am on Sunday, September 29.

West Street, Milton Place, St Matthews Green, Westover Green and St Matthews Field are affected by road closures, with diversion routes will be in place.

Prohibition of parking (and traffic coning) will be in place along many surrounding streets including Northfield, Durleigh Road (to the junction of Woodbury Road), Park Road and Albert Street from 8pm on Monday, September 23 until 10am on Sunday, September 29.

Car parking:

As in previous years limited parking will be available from Thursday to Saturday of fair week, with the Rotary Club of Bridgwater which is located on the Fairfield and costs of £5.00 per vehicle.

Additional public parking is usually available at the YMCA in Friarn Avenue and at Bridgwater Cricket Club on Durleigh Road.

Toilets:

Temporary cabin toilets, provided by Bridgwater Town Council, are available behind the One Stop shop next to West Bow House, behind Westfield House on West Street and behind the Horse and Jockey Public House on Fairfield.

This includes disabled access toilets which can be found behind the Horse and Jockey Public House on Fairfield.

Commenting on the build up to the Bridgwater fair, a Bridgwater Town Council spokesperson said: “The rides have started to arrive at St Matthews Field for Bridgwater Fair next week.

“From roller coasters to carousels, there’s something for everyone.

“Bridgwater fair starts at 11.00am on Wednesday, September 25 and runs until 11pm on Saturday, September 28.”

£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 which is available right now.