Wisbech fun fair has a new home after consultation

Wisbech fun fair will be relocated to the town’s Church Terrace car park following a public consultation – with the first fair in the new location opening on February 28.

The twice-yearly funfair, run by The Showman’s Guild, has traditionally been held at Chapel Road car park which is owned by The National Trust.

The car park is leased by Fenland District Council for use as a public car park. However, a ban on the use of the car park for the funfair in the lease’s renewal agreement meant the location is no longer available.

The council sought residents’ views on alternative locations, and after reviewing the feedback, Church Terrace car park (also referred to locally as St Peter’s Church car park) emerged as the preferred choice.

Other locations considered were Somers Road car park and Wisbech Park.

The first funfair in the new location will be The Mart, which will be open to the public from February 28 to March 8.

The Showman’s Guild will occupy the car park for two weeks, from 5pm on Sunday, February 23, to 5pm on Sunday, March 9. The car park will be closed to motorists during that period.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Cabinet member with responsibility for events at Fenland, said: “We are grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views. The feedback was invaluable in ensuring the funfair continues to be held in Wisbech in a suitable and well-supported location. Church Terrace car park was the clear preference among residents, and we are pleased to confirm it as the fair’s new home.”

Cllr Jan French, the council’s portfolio holder with responsibility for car parks, added: “Church Terrace car park provides a central and accessible location for the funfair, ensuring that this historic tradition can continue in Wisbech. While we recognise that the temporary closure of the car park for the funfairs will have some impact on motorists, we are committed to balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. We appreciate everyone’s co-operation and look forward to welcoming the fair in its new location shortly.”

The council is working closely with The Showman’s Guild to facilitate the move. The council will also closely monitor the use of the car park to ensure the new site is suitable for the event and local residents.

The fair is also set to visit March and Whittlesey in coming weeks.

Fair operators are due to occupy City Road car park and City Road lorry park, from 5pm on Saturday, March 15, to 5pm on Sunday, March 30. The car parks will be closed to motorists during that period.

The fair is expected to open to the public on Thursday, March 20.

Part of Grosvenor Road car park will be closed to motorists from around 5pm on Wednesday, March 26, to around 5pm on Sunday, March 30, to house fair trailers and caravans.

The fair is expected to be open to the public in the area around the Buttercross, in Market Street, on Thursday, March 27.

On Friday, March 28, the weekly market will be relocated to Station Road car park, behind Wetherspoon’s George Hotel.