Children's flying chair ride keeps spirit of Hull Fair alive as the centuries-old festival is cancelled for first time since World War Two

A solitary children’s flying chair ride kept alive the spirit of Hull Fair as the 800-year-old event fell foul of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a bid to honour the centuries-old charter, first granted in 1278, just one ride operated in Hull’s Queen Victoria Square today.

It is the first year since World War Two that the much-loved event has not been able to go ahead.

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Hull Fair is Europe’s largest and oldest travelling fair, dating back to the 13th century.

Steve Wilson, Lord Mayor of Hull, officially launching Hull Fair as Lily Young, 8, of Hull, enjoys a turn on the children's chair ride.Steve Wilson, Lord Mayor of Hull, officially launching Hull Fair as Lily Young, 8, of Hull, enjoys a turn on the children's chair ride.
Steve Wilson, Lord Mayor of Hull, officially launching Hull Fair as Lily Young, 8, of Hull, enjoys a turn on the children's chair ride.

Based at Walton Street car park in west Hull, the fair takes place every year in early October.

There are usually more than 300 attractions from rollercoasters and white-knuckle rides to hook-a-duck and bingo, along with 80 rides for children.

Anyone wishing to enjoy the ride was asked for a donation that will be given to the Lord Mayor’s charities.

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Hull Lord Mayor, Coun Steve Wilson said: “The tradition of Hull Fair is engrained in the people of Hull.

"I’d like to thank the Yorkshire section of the Showmen’s Guild for their kind gesture in donating the profits to the Lord Mayor’s charities, it is greatly received.”

Alongside the ride, local businesses also acknowledged the fair by producing Hull Fair treat boxes.

All these treats are up for grabs in a giveaway through Visit Hull and East Yorkshire.

Anyone longing for the sights and sounds of the fair this year can visit the Hull Fair digital exhibition.

The exhibition includes a ten-minute walk-through of the fair that was filmed last year.

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