May Fairs set to remain in traditional locations in two Herefordshire places following public consultation
Herefordshire Council has confirmed the fairs in Hereford and Leominster will continue to take place in their usual city and town centre spots
Two annual May Fairs held in Herefordshire are to keep operating from their normal places following a review of their future by the county council.
Herefordshire Council ran a public consultation earlier this year from the 23 April to the 23 May regarding the events in Hereford and Leominster.
1,366 responses were gathered altogether, 1,051 on Hereford's, which is considered to be the 'oldest surviving charter fair in Britain' dating back to 1121, with 71% of those who took part in that one showing their support for the city centre still being the place to host it.
315 people responded to Leominster's, with 55% backing the town-centre streets as the right place for the fair.
Some concerns were also raised in the consultation about the impact on nearby residents and businesses, which the council said it would use to help plan future ones.
Councillor Barry Durkin, the county council's cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, has given approval to the plan to keep them in their traditional locations until the next review, meaning they'll be used as the places for planning future events from 2028.
Following the decision, he said: “Our May Fairs are a much-loved part of Herefordshire’s history and heritage, they bring families and communities together and help create a real sense of excitement in our town and city centres.
“The engagement has shown just how much people value these events and how important it is to keep them in their traditional locations.
“We also know that holding large events in busy town and city centres can cause disruption, particularly for people who live and work nearby, we have listened to those concerns and will use the feedback to help make the fairs even better in the future."