The Newport Charter Fair will be back in the High Street on Sunday May 4th. The original Charter for the fair dates back to the 13th century but the last one is believed to have been in the High Street in 1939. There have been other fairs in Newport since that date but not in the Town centre.
Joint organiser Rodney Pitt says, “I am thrilled that, following the success of last year’s inaugural event we can now make it an annual event. I have worked with a professional fairground company and, together we will be offering a wide range of rides and attractions to suit all tastes and ages. The rides include those suitable for the brave (foolhardy?), for adults and for children and we hope this will provide fun and enjoyment for everyone.”
At last year’s event, I had the pleasure to meet a number of senior citizens of Newport who remembered the last event in 1939. One of the comments that they made was the one thing that stood in their memory was the Galloping Horses outside the old Wine Vaults (now the night club). I am delighted to tell them that, after a great deal of effort on the part of Allen Stoke, the Fairground organiser, we have been able to track down one of the few remaining sets of Galloping Horses that is prepared to come to Newport. Therefore, I am delighted to issue an invitation to those whose idea this was to come down on Sunday and relive their memories. I promise they will not be disappointed!
“I have been delighted by the response by the Newport Chamber of Commerce and by businesses in and around the High Street, some of whom who do not normally open on a Sunday are making a special effort to open or to extend their opening hours and I hope that they reap their just rewards. I would like to thank them for their support last year and hope that they benefit again as they did in 2013. As with last year’s event, there will be no food and drink stalls in the Fair, other than the traditional candyfloss stall, as I am relying on the catering establishments in and around the High Street to meet that need. I would also like to thank Telford & Wrekin Council for their wholehearted support, together with that of the emergency services.”
The Fair has been organised by Stokes Funfairs, who have been established for over 100 years. Currently taking over are the 4th generation of the Stokes family. The Stokes family are based in Shropshire and attend most events held in Shropshire with their family funfair rides. Allan Stokes who is Show organizer has been a member of the Showman's Guild for 46 years is very proud to be helping organize the Charter fair this year. His father, George Stokes used to attend the charter fair in Newport for many years.
Newport High Street will be closed to all traffic at 6.00pm on Saturday May 4th to allow the build up of the Fair. In order to avoid disruption of Church Services, the Fair will not start until 12noon, when it will be opened by a local dignitary, together with a senior representative of The Showman’s Guild. The Fair will close at 9.00pm and the High Street will reopen to traffic at Midnight on Sunday. Please note, all vehicles MUST be removed from the High Street by 6.00pm on Saturday May 4th.
