Historic Hull Fair cancelled for first time in 75 years due to coronavirus

Hull Council said on Friday it said it had taken the decision due to uncertainty over regulations around mass gatherings.

The fair is one of the city's biggest traditions, as well as one of its oldest, having reached its 700th anniversary in 1993 and is usually held over a week in October.

The fair was abandoned in 1915, but returned in 1919 at the end of World War I It was cancelled again in 1939 at the outbreak of WW2, returning in October 1945.

In a statement Hull Council, together with the Showman’s Guild, said: "Since the announcement in May that the event would be unlikely to take place, the council has continued to work with the Guild to monitor any changes to Covid-19 restrictions made by Public Health England and central government.

"Unfortunately there is still no certainty at the current time that the current regulations with regards to mass gatherings and events will change sufficiently to allow an event of this size to take place.

"This, alongside new Covid-19 guidance, including localised lockdowns, mean the decision to not hold Hull Fair 2020 still remains.

"The health and safety of those who come together to make Hull Fair happen, including visitors, showmen, staff, officials, partners and contractors remains paramount and until the fair can be held safely, it will not go ahead.

"Moving forward, discussions will soon be underway with the multi-agency and public health teams, and the Yorkshire Section of the Showmen’s Guild to look at planning future safe and successful Hull Fairs."