News from the world of fairs
Fun Fair news from around the country
Amersham Charter Fair 2023
It's nearly time for Amersham Charter Fair! Did you know that this Buckinghamshire market town was granted a fair by royal charter by King John in 1200? Thus by visiting, you are taking part in a tradition that is over 800 years old!
These photos give a glimpse of what the fair looked like in 1930 and 1925. The second picture was taken by celebrated local photographer George Ward. Many thanks to Amersham Museum for allowing us to share them here. To learn more about the history of Amersham Charter, please visit their website:
https://amershammuseum.org/history/trades-industries/the-charter-fair/
A large lady in a white overall with white hair tied in a bun and red rosy cheeks threw vast quantities of resinous cream-coloured candy over a shiny metal hook, blending a sweet that was plaited and cut before your very eyes. DELICIOUS!
The galloping horses had portraits of eminent men adorning the whole apparatus Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin and Kitchener with his piercing blue eyes. There were masses of polished brass and the music worked by cardboard with holes punched in it, changing every few minutes.
A fortune teller claiming descent from Gypsy Rose Lee proclaimed her ability to read tea leaves. UGH! A man with a monkey and a camera offered to take your photograph. A man outside a huge tent extolled the excellence of his boxing champion. Who would take him on? Ten shillings was the offer to go one round, £5 to beat him inside three rounds. This was the main event and people crowded in to support the local lad.
There were coconut shies with coconuts that had a certain reluctance to fall out. The swing boats outside Butlers in Market Square always seemed to be in the same place. In the background sounded the deeply melodic throb of the powerful Gardiner engine, powering and lighting the whole show. Everywhere were chalk dogs, chalk dolls, china cups and plants, handfuls of them.
Fair folks are traditionalists too, not many come or go. Each year the same families George Irvins, Bakers, Pettigroves, Smiths, Lees return. I remember one young baby boy with brown eyes and jet black hair playing under the hoop-la stall. He's been on the same stall for about 35 years. He will be there this year but his hair is starting to go white at the sides.
Ah memories! I couldn't finish without mentioning Mrs Rance's fish and chips the finale to the evening. Thank you Mrs Rance. I can still taste them to this day.
The Big Festival 2023
We were delighted to be part of The Big Festival at Alex James Farm this weekend with our classic pepper pot Helter Skelter, Dodgems, Carousel, Wave Swinger, Waltzer, Ferris Wheel, Children's Swing Boats, Children's Helicopters and a big stall.
To hire us for your festival or special event, please call 020 8795 4282 or email info@irvinleisure.com
Hosting the Mayor of Kingston at Fairfield Park
We were delighted to host the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames Councillor Diane White at our funfair in Fairfield Park on Friday. As always, we will be donating to the Mayor's chosen charities, Kingston Charitable Foundation and @voh.org.uk to support the good work that they do in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames.
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FREE RIDES & CANDY FLOSS!
Radio Jackie Funfair Prize Winner
Hi Eddie,
Just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU for the tickets to Hampton Court Fair
We all had a fantastic time (6 of us) and were actually there for 5 - yes FIVE - hours!!!
It was a really beautiful day and here are just a few the photos we took ............... I'm Grandma in the first one
Radio Jackie Funfair Prize Winner
We had the most fantastic time today, thank you so much ?
Sadly, my Dad passed away yesterday..
Today, I laughed and screamed and forgot for a few hours!
The kid's loved it too!
Thank you again
Radio Jackie Funfair Prize Winner
Morning Jan ! just a quick email to thank you all at Radio Jackie soo much for fair tickets! Myself and my 3 sons had the most fantastic day on Monday!
Was a great great day out! Thank you all
Mr Peter Fear
Special Batmitzvah
We were thrilled to be part of this magical Batmitzvah on Sunday 26th March, helping you make your dreams come true is one of the most rewarding parts of the business!
Our rides & attractions are available for parties and events of all kinds, so if you would like our help to make your special occasion truly special, please send us a message, email info@irvinleisure.com or call us 0208 795 4282.
Video
NO RACISM NO DISCRIMINATION!
Our pledge at all our Funfairs is that all faiths and religions are welcome!
Wherever you are born or whatever your colour, you will always be welcomed into George Irvin's Funfairs as we show zero tolerance towards racial or religious prejudice.
Because of this, people of all races, backgrounds and religions can come together at our Funfairs in harmony.
EVERYONE can have good safe fun!
ALL OF OUR FAIRS HAVE LICENSED SIA SECURITY & A STRICT NO-ALCOHOL POLICY IN PLACE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND.
Happy Lunar New Year
Xmas Memories
Morning all,
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to your super hospitality, free tickets and our Reindeer, was very comical taking the reindeer home whilst a little drunk but we defiantly made lots of happy memories, so thank you ?
Halloween Winner 2022
Congratulations to the Winner of this year's Halloween competition.
Unfortunately we only have a picture and no details so please get in touch to claim your prize.
NOTICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SHEPHERDS BUSH & LBHF
Following the sad new of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we the George Irvin family have decided to delay opening of this years Shepherds Bush fair until 20th September the day after the Queens funeral takes place.
NEW DATES FOR SHEPHERDS BUSH FAMILY FUNFAIR WILL BE:
TUESDAY 20th SEPTEMBER until SUNDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2022
This is to show a mark of respect to the Queen, her family, and the people of LBHF who wish to mourn at this very sad time.
We ask for your understanding and hope to see you all again after the funeral under better circumstances, but today we weep with the rest of the nation.
Signed: George Irvin & the Showmen of Shepherds Bush Fair
www.irvinleisure.co.uk
GOD BLESS THE QUEEN LONG LIVE THE KING
1926 - 2022
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.
As a mark of respect all our fairs will remain closed until further notice.
10th Generation Family Business since 1820!
These will be our 10th generation in our family funfair business since 1820
Georgie Groom age 7
James Irvin safe 6
George Irvin age 5
Henry Irvin age 4
Chris travels to the Funfair
On this Bank Holiday Monday, I travelled to George Irvin's Fair at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park it's a great Funfair with some decent rides there , like David Irvin's Ghost train that is big and looks really good , PWS Super-Trooper , Super-Bob , Avalanche Miami, Frogs Jumper , Dodgems , Cage , and Game Stalls & Juvenile rides . it was a good fair and I did get to go on a few rides to the Super-Bob was great as we got a backwards to start cycle as well as a forward's cycle same on the Jumper Frogs and a great ride on the Super-Trooper but at least i had better time compared to yesterday's Hampstead's fair that was awful . i have posted my photos from today's visit .
Regards Chris Pike
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2022
Winter Wonderland is back for 2022!
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2022 is open from November 18 to January 2, 2023, from 10am to 10pm each day (except Christmas Day). You'll need a pre-booked timed ticket to get in. Nearest stations are Bond Street, Green Park, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Paddington and Victoria.
Visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Garry's CX22 goes back home!
Silverstone BGP 2022
Another exciting British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and a privilege to be involved with it.
"Hi All, I wanted to pass my thanks for your hard work and patience in the preparation and delivery of the British Grand Prix."
- Ben
Ansar Youth Project
Roe Green Family Funfair 2022
"A huge thank you to @irvin.funfairs for giving the young people in AYP an amazing experience. We had so much fun and cannot wait to come again!
For more information about the Ansar Youth Project in Wembley visit www.ansaryouth.org.uk.