Bridgwater Fair back in town (From This is The West Country)

Bridgwater Fair back in town

1:30pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Somerset Exclusive By Kirsty James

THE biggest and best funfair in the South West rolled into to Bridgwater today (September 26) as thousands braved the mud and descended upon St Matthew's Field.

Mayor of Bridgwater, Graham Granter, was joined by a crowd of councillors and dignitaries for the official opening of the historic event this morning.

Mayor Granter said: “What makes the fair special is the coming together of all the people and families to enjoy the atmosphere and rides.

“It’s also the biggest and best travelling fair and offers a magical time for youngsters. We work really hard to ensure it can be enjoyed by everyone and it’s proven to be a big day in the town’s calendar.”

For Raymon Henderson, national president of the Showman's Guild, the occasion was even more special.

He told the Mercury: “My father was born in Bridgwater on the day of the fair opening some 80 years ago, so this is a particularly special event for me.

“I attend many fairs across the South West but Bridgwater fair is special because it is the largest in that area.”

Ruby Bate, 17, said her favourite rides were the Waltzers and ‘Bounce’. She added: “A lot of places don’t have their own fair and I’m really glad Bridgwater has this. It gives people a chance to get out and have a good time with friends.”

Rhianne O’Donnell, 16, said: “I love the rides and it gives people an opportunity to meet up with friends and have a good time.”

Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, Gill Slocombe, thanked all those involved in preparing the fair.

The largest travelling funfair in the region saw more than 30 major thrilling rides, 50 hoopla stalls and around 100 market stalls lining West Street - as well as another 100 stalls on the Fairfield today.

If you want to discuss the fair, you can post comments below or if you use twitter, add the hashtag #bridgwaterfair and we will feed tweets directly to our website.

You can also send us your pictures, to newsdesk@bridgwatermercury.co.uk.

Latest Tweets on Bridgwater Fair

This is The West Country has no responsibility or control over the content on external blogging sites, but you can contact us if you have a complaint.