May fairs to remain in Hereford and Leominster

Two historic Herefordshire fairs will remain in their traditional locations after a public consultation.

Herefordshire Council said 1,366 people responded to a review of the future of Hereford and Leominster May fairs, with the findings set to shape plans for the events from 2028.

In Hereford, 71% of respondents backed the fair remaining in the city centre, while 55% in Leominster supported it continuing in its current location.

The Hereford May Fair dates back to a Royal Charter granted in 1121 by Henry I and is widely believed to be Britain's oldest surviving charter fair.

Councillor Barry Durkin, cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, said the engagement showed how much people valued the events.

"Our May fairs are a much-loved part of Herefordshire's history and heritage," he said.

"They bring families and communities together and help create a real sense of excitement in our town and city centres."

The consultation, held between 23 April and 23 May, found 73% of respondents in Hereford and 60% in Leominster believed the fairs added to the character of their surroundings.

Most people who responded also said the events did not cause significant disruption, including 77% in Hereford and 72% in Leominster.

However, some residents and businesses raised concerns about the impact on people living and working nearby.

Gabi, from The Coffee Cart in Hereford, said keeping the fair in the city centre was important to its identity.

"I think it's a good idea that it stays down here because if not it just doesn't feel like the May Fair," she said.

"The May Fair has always been in town since I was little so it would be kind of weird for it not to be."

Orianna, also from The Coffee Cart, described the event as "one of the longest traditions in Hereford".

"It's the biggest thing we've got," she said.

Not everyone welcomed the decision.

Birute, from Traditional Jacket Potato, said her Hereford business had to relocate while the fair was in place.

"We don't like it because we have to move when the May Fair comes into town," she said.

"We have to move the whole unit, the coffee cart, so yeah, we don't like them."

She said moving the business resulted in extra costs and lost trade while the fair was taking place.

The council said it would continue working with residents, businesses and community groups to reduce disruption while ensuring the fairs remained popular events.

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