Michaelmas Fair cancelled at Northcroft Park

West Berkshire Council announced yesterday (Wednesday): “The cancellation was mutually agreed between (the council) and the Showman's Guild of Great Britain, who organise the event.”
The decision was taken because of flood allevation works in the Northcroft area.
However, last year’s event proved controversial as heavy rain turned the ground into a quagmire, prompting calls from some residents for it to be relocated.
Meanwhile a defensive flood barrier created by the Environment Agency has been created to protect homes to the east of Northcroft Park from potential flooding.
The area has been recently reprofiled, landscaped, and grass seed has been sown to restore the open space.
West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for Countryside, Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley), said: “We’re very sorry for the disappointment that this will cause to residents and families who enjoy going to the fair and hope they understand why the decision has been reluctantly taken.
“Ground on the Northcroft site is still too soft to accommodate the heavy vehicles that come with the fair. However,it is anticipated that the event will return to Northcroft in 2014 once new planting has been established and the ground has settled."
The Showman's Guild is now in discussion with Newbury Town Council regarding the possibility of a smaller scale event for this year elsewhere in the town.
The Michaelmas Fair in Newbury dates back to the 17th Century and had its origins in local people such as shepherds and maids turning up to seek work but is now a fun fair.