Salisbury Charter Fair will return this weekend after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic and we can't wait.

The highly anticipated Charter Fair will arrive in the Market Place and Guildhall Square from Sunday, October 17, lighting up the city centre and welcoming families and thrill seekers alike. 

The Fair will be open from 4pm until 9pm for its first night, and then 11am until 10pm Monday through to Wednesday, October 20.

Nearly all rides will cost £2 a turn, with some prices rising after 6pm.

The charter fair has a key date in Salisbury’s social calendar since 1227 when King Henry III granted the Bishop of Salisbury a Charter to hold a fair on the third Monday of October every year.

Toffee apples and candyfloss in hand, fairgoers can expect to find traditional fairground food, stalls and rides such as dodgems, a carousel, and waltzers. 

On the fair returning this year after missing a year during the pandemic, Mayor, Cllr Caroline Corbin said: “It is an important part of Salisbury so to have it back is nice, we just need the other events like the carnival to start returning. 

“It does lift everybody’s spirits when fun things happen.”

“Time does fly and a year whistles by in the blink of an eye, so you’ve just got to enjoy the chances you get when you’ve got them.” 

The mayor will be at the fair at 2pm on Sunday to officially open the event with her husband Tom as well as other Salisbury City Councillors and members of the Showmen’s Guild Western Section. 

She said: “I’m looking forward to having the fair there, I’m sure the residents will appreciate it. 

“I’m not a big one for fast rides, or rides at all, but its ok because I’ll do the bumper cars.

“Usually, the mayor does the first ride, I’m not really up for that but I love the atmosphere... if anyone wants to come with me and be my understudy and go on it for me...” 

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