Hull Fair

Where: Hull, Humberside- at Walton Street, near the Stadium
When: Early October
Time: Weekdays mostly 2-11 pm, Saturdays 12 noon- 11 pm

 

Hull Fair is one of the oldest events in the city, dating back to a charter of 1279, though the focus over the years has changed to a huge funfair, which (amongst a couple of others!) claims to be the largest travelling funfair in Europe. It’s certainly extensive, with over 250 rides, numerous sideshows and a plethora of enticing food stalls which line the Walton Street approach to the fair site. It takes place over two weekends in October and the week between and operates every day except Sunday; it’s officially opened by the Mayor of Kingston upon Hull on the first Friday at 5pm, who rings a bell to announce that the fair is open for business. The fair has only been cancelled during war and pestilence; in years when Nottingham Goose Fair takes place over part of the same period, the fair may be bigger the second weekend as some rides move up to join the others. There are traditional favourites like big wheels, dodgems, gallopers and helter-skelters, and plenty of rides for younger children, as well as modern white-knuckle rides with a constant background of screaming! Some fairs specialise in a particular foodstuff, and the traditional treats at Hull Fair are pomegranates, which are at their best at this time of year, and Brandy Snaps- you’ll see many stalls offering them as well as seemingly every other possible type of tasty snack. You’ll also find fortune tellers, tests of skill, hook-a-duck and lots of other attractions. It’s bright, loud and flashy and lots of fun!

Helpful Hints

In 2025 the fair should run from Friday 3rd to Saturday 11th October (except closed Sunday 5th)- to be confirmed. Rides operate until 11 pm each night, and most days start at 2pm, though it’s from noon on Saturdays.

Admission to the site is free with charges made for individual rides, and most can accept card payments though cash may be preferred.The fair operates from Friday of the first weekend to Saturday of the second, inclusive, but is closed on the Sunday.

There’s a regular service from the Park and Ride at Priory Park (recommended).

Click here for the Hull websites: https://www.visithull.org and https://www.hull.gov.uk/arts-and-leisure/leisure

and here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hullfair