Everything you need to know about Hull Fair

A slight chill in the air can only mean one thing – it is nearly time for Hull Fair to fill the city with its striking neon lights, waft of burger vans and excited screams.

The centuries-old annual event, which includes more than 250 rides and attractions, will return to Walton Street on 9 October and run until 17 October.

Established in 1278 and one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, last year saw more than 500,000 people attend the event.

Helen Thackeray, events manager at Hull City Council, said: "The fair is an absolutely wonderful spectacle for the city."

Attracting about half-a-million thrill-seekers each year, this year will mark its 732nd event.

The rides range from rollercoasters and towering thrill rides to classic carousels and family-friendly games, according to Visit Hull.

But what else can you expect this year?

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday 9 October, when the Lord Mayor will ring the bell.

Opening times for the week are:

Friday 9 October – 16:00 to 23:00

Saturday 10 October – 12:00 to 23:00

Sunday 11 October – Closed

Monday 12 October to Friday 16 October – 14:00 to 23:00

Saturday 17 October – 12:00 to 23:00

Traditional rides will be making a return, alongside new features including the Elevate 85, which is an 85m-high Starflyer.

Dexter Hackett's Joker ride will be heading to the Walton Street ground, new for this year, designed to "put you in a spin", the organisers said.

Another new addition to the fair this year is the Sartori Techno Jump ride.

"We like to keep refreshing the fair and we know how people like to get new rides coming in," Thackeray said.

Traditional food options, including toasted sandwiches, barbecued street food and chips, will be on offer along with "old-school puddings" like crumbles and chocolate slices.

The following roads will be closed between 06:00 and 15:00 from 6 October until 18 October:

• Lowther Street at the junction just before Sleights Close
• Walliker Street from the Anlaby Road junction. The alternative route for vehicles will be Anlaby Road, St Georges Road and Arthur Street
• Walton Street. Entry to Walton Street will be from St Georges Road, Arthur Street, Carnegie Street and old Anlaby Road under the flyover into West Park. Exit is through Walton Street and Spring Bank West

There will be restrictions on Anlaby Road during these times.

Pulman Street will be closed at various times depending on the day. More information can be found on the Hull City Council website.

Granville Street and Sandringham Street could potentially be closed in exceptional circumstances between 16:00 and 23:00 from 9 October to 17 October.

People will be able to use the Priory Park Park and Ride and the Humber Bridge Park and Ride until 23:00 each day. Buses will run every 10 to 15 minutes.

Additional bus services will be in operation, the council said.

Public car parking will be available at MKM Stadium.

There will be parking restrictions on the following roads from 6 October for 12 days:

• Paisley Street
• Lowther Street
• Lonsdale Street
• Sandringham Street
• Granville Street
• Perry Street
• Ruskin Street
• Arthur Street
• Walliker Street
• "Little" Anlaby Road – the small section of road between Perry Street and the West Park access gates underneath the flyover

People are advised to plan their journeys as it is due to be a busy month for the city.

Although Hull Fair is not open on 11 October, Hull City are playing Everton in the Premier League. There are also four Peter Kay shows on 10 and 11 October.

"It's a brilliant time. This city just continues to excel," Thackeray said.

"Who says that Hull's dull? I think it's not. I think there's plenty going on – a great week for the city."

Anyone who owns a drone or a similar device is urged to avoid flying it over Hull Fair.

Thackeray said: "You might get that shot, but you might cause a lot more trouble, so please think about what you're doing, where you're doing it and let everybody enjoy their time."

Last year, the BBC spoke to one professional operator who warned it could lead to a serious and potentially fatal accident.

Thackeray also advised people to avoid bringing unnecessary items in case they get lost.

Characters such as Kalani Ghost Hunter, Redheadresidence and PT Vlogs UK all paid a visit last year and received thousands – in some cases millions – of views for their content.

Followers saw their idols tuck into delicacies such as foot-long fries, chat with locals and sample some of the hair-raising rides.

Last year Thackeray said social media had been "a massive part" of the draw to Hull Fair.

She said influencers would be attending the fair this year to try the food and rides.

Hull Fair may be popular with social media influencers now, but it was once full of "freak shows", animal displays and boxing and wrestling matches.

It originated when King Edward I acquired Hull in 1293 and ordered there to be an annual six-week fair to be held from 25 May until 6 July.

It started as a big market, selling cloth and manufactured goods, but later shifted its focus to entertainment and amusement.

The fair, enshrined in the city's 1299 charter, was based around Whitefriargate and the marketplace in the Middle Ages.

But it moved to a larger site at Corporation Field off Park Street in the 19th Century due to its popularity. It moved again in 1888 to Walton Street and has been there ever since.

It was originally held at Easter, before moving to September. A local legend involving the changing of the calendar in 1751 led the locals to believe the loss of 11 days affected their fair.

Locals protested and from that year onwards, 11 October, or the Friday nearest to it, became the official date.

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