Bid to extend Yarm Fair by one day rejected by council

The annual fair, which is run by The Showmen’s Guild, is due to return to the town for another weekend of entertainment from Thursday, October 17, to Saturday, October 19. 

Dating back as far as 1207, the fair has been a tradition for centuries and has only been cancelled twice - once during the Covid pandemic, and for one day last year “in the interests of public safety” following stormy weather. 

This year, bosses at the Showmen's Guild North East asked Yarm Town Council and Stockton Council if it could add an extra day to the event this year on the Sunday, following last year’s sudden cancellation on the Friday. 

However, the bid was rejected.

The 'flashings' at Yarm Fair (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Yarm Town Council said it was “very aware and sensitive” to a number of comments on the matter received by businesses and residents. 

These included “the need for more time, notice, and proper consultation”. 

Yarm Fair will therefore take place as normal from Thursday to Saturday, with timings expected to be from 6pm until 10pm on the weekdays and 1pm until 10pm on Saturday. 

As normal, the event will see the High Street cobbles taken over by bright lights, wild rides, and screaming thrill seekers, with rides expected to return including the dodgems, waltzers, and plenty of fairground treats and games. 

Saturday is also expected to see the return of the centuries-old tradition known as the flashings, where horses are trotted up and down the high street. 

However, details are still set to be confirmed by The Showmen's Guild. 

A full statement from Yarm Town Council said: “Yarm Town Council was recently asked by Showmen's Guild North East as to whether we would object to Yarm Fair holding an extra day this year on Sunday, October 20, following cancellation of a day last year, due to bad weather. 

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“We understand that Stockton Council received the same request and this was rejected. 

“Yarm Town Council was very aware and sensitive to a number of comments on the matter received by businesses and residents which would have been fully considered, especially the need for more time, notice & proper consultation, had the request not already been refused and therefore withdrawn."

The Northern Echo has contacted The Showmen’s Guild regarding the proposed extension.