Mid-Lent Fair in Grantham could be longer next year and held on different days
A request has been made to make the Mid-Lent Fair in Grantham longer and hold it on different days.
South Kesteven District Council is asking residents and local businesses for their views on the changes.
The Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain wants permission to run the fair from Wednesday, March 20, until Sunday, March 24, 2024, instead of from Sunday, March 17, to Wednesday, March 20.
To enable rides and stalls to be set up and dismantled safely, road closures are in force from 5pm the day before the fair opens until 8am the morning after it closes.
The length and timing of the Stamford Mid Lent Fair would remain unchanged – running from Monday, March 11 through to Saturday, March 16.
SKDC cabinet member for leisure and culture, Coun Paul Stokes, said: “We are contacting residents and businesses who are likely to be directly affected by any change to the days and duration of the fair as they live or work in the areas where road closures are in force.
“We are also interested in finding out what those who may not be directly affected think of the request. It is important that all voices are heard – particularly if they feel strongly about the proposal – and I would encourage them to have their say.”
Other businesses that could be affected, such as taxi firms and shops where deliveries could be disrupted, and statutory organisations such as the police and highways authority, will also be approached and asked to comment.
The results of the four-week consultation will be considered by SKDC. Any potential change to the arrangements would need Government approval before they could be implemented.
If the feedback from the consultation shows enough support for the proposal, the council will consider submitting a request to the Secretary of State. If not, no action would be taken, and the duration and dates of the fair would remain unchanged.
If the extended fair dates are approved, the regular Saturday market in Grantham will relocate to St Peter’s Hill. Any costs associated with this would be covered by the Showmen’s Guild. All other costs would be met by the guild.
Residents and businesses wishing to have their say on the proposal, who have not been selected to participate, are invited to complete the survey online, at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GMLF2023
For a printed copy, contact the markets and events supervisor on 01476 406153 or via email at m.gregory@southkesteven.gov.uk
The consultation closes on October 2, 2023.
