ALL the fun of the fair has arrived in the county town of North Yorkshire last night (THURS) with the opening of the annual May Fair.

The five-day extravaganza of carousels and candy-floss was officially opened last night by the chairman of Hambleton District Council, Coun Bridget Fortune.

And after the traditional “Riding of the Fair” – when various rides were sampled - the crowds descended for some traditional fairground fun.

The fair will continue until Monday evening – May 6 - and features more than a dozen rides along the town’s High Street as well as an assortment of children’s attractions, side-shows, games and food stalls.

The fair, organised by the Northern Section of the Showmen’s Guild, is a long-standing tradition in the town and attracts thousands of fun-seekers to the area.

The Guild claims that this year’s selection of rides includes some of the most spectacular, with names like King Frig, Freak Out and the Exposure. Another attraction – the Top Buzz – swings riders more than 20m into the air in suspended seats with G-forces the Guild claim match those experienced by fighter pilot.

However more familiar rides are also featured, such as the ever-popular dodgems, Ghost Train, cups and saucer and helter-skelter.

The fair opens again tonight (FRI) from 6pm and will then open Saturday from 10am, Sunday from 1pm until 5pm, and then on Bank Holiday Monday from 1pm until 10pm.

Parking in the town, together with bus and taxi collection points, are being changed until May 7 at 8am. Parts of the High Street between Zetland Street and All Saints Church will be closed during the fair’s opening hours and as the fair is set up and dismantled. Diversion routes will be posted throughout the town for drivers.

Alternative arrangements are as follows:- *The Applegarth, Crosby Road and Hambleton Forum pay-and-display car-parks will operate as usual, except for a small number of parking bays in the long stay area of the Applegarth which will be used by the Showmen’s Guild. HGV parking will still be available in the Applegarth long stay car-park. The Civic Centre car-park will also be available for parking.

*Bus stops will be moved to Zetland Street for northbound services; and outside the library for southbound services. The Town Hall taxi rank will move to Zetland Street.

*There will be additional disabled parking bays outside the Post Office and Marks and Spencers.