LATEST FAIR UPDATE:
“It is with great regret that Petersfield Town Council announces that the Taro Fair will not be operating this year over the weekend of 9th – 11th October on Petersfield Heath. The decision has been taken in the interests of protecting the health of local residents and their safety in the light of the increasing threat being seen from the Covid-19 virus as cases of infection both locally and nationally continue to grow. In coming to this decision the Council has taken advice from its Health & Safety professionals as well as Hampshire County Council’s Public Health Department. It doesn’t in any way reflect on the operation of the Fair Operators who have done all that can be done to make their operation as compliant as possible during this pandemic and we look forward to welcoming them back next year”
On the nearest weekend to 6 October every year the Taro Fair is held on Petersfield Heath, a reminder of cattle fairs that were held annually until the 1950s. It is now a fun fair. (“Tarw” is the Welsh shout by the herders for “Bull”; pronounced “Taro” in English).
The Taro Fair is what is know as a ‘charter fair’ – A charter fair in England is a street fair or market which was established by Royal Charter. Many charter fairs date back to the Middle Ages, with their heyday occurring during the 13th century. Originally, most charter fairs started as street markets but since the 19th century the trading aspect has been superseded by entertainment; many charter fairs are now the venue for travelling funfairs run by showmen.
This year’s fair will be the first (and hopefully last) ever that has to follow strict guidelines issued by the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain on how to keep their staff and customers safe during the covid-outbreak.
Measures will have been put into place to ensure it is safe as possible for you to enjoy your visit. Please help to minimise the risk of transfer of infection by following the guidelines shown and do not attend if you have recently felt unwell or showing symptoms of coronavirus.
John Searle Funfairs Ltd look forward to welcoming you to Petersfield Heath to have fun safely!
Funfair Sat 10 – Sun 11 October 2020
So, what will this year’s fair look like?
