Brigg Horse Fair

5 August 2003. The fair goes on ...

Tuesday, 5 August 2003

Trotting pony

Mr Gregory on ITV

Despite the best efforts of North Lincolnshire Council, the horse fair went ahead on Atherton Way today. Around twenty horses were present together with stalls selling horse equipment and souvenirs. There was a steady stream of visitors from the town and region who had heard of the fair by word-of-mouth.

Attempts at publicising the event were stifled when signs put up by the fair organisers were removed. The county council had put their own notices up: summons to appear at North Lincolnshire Magistrates Court (9:30am 7 Aug) for 'the occupants of several touring caravans'.

The industrial estate was an excellent venue for the event. It was well organised and made best use of the space available for parking and for stalls and the trotting ponies. The dazzling weather - the hottest of the year so far - added to the festive atmosphere.

Mr Gregory - the saviour of the fair - made an impassioned plea to the Yorkshire Television camera crew team about the future of the fair. He had worked hard over the years to keep the event running - one year he had been the only person to bring horses.

The cost to Brigg council taxpayers of the 24 hour security guards on Station Road was around £2000 a day leading to a total cost in excess of £22,000 for 11 days of blockage.

The hostility of North Lincolnshire Council to this popular tradition leaves two questions. Will the fair continue? - Yes. Will the county council do anything to promote Brigg by supporting the fair? - Probably no. Till next year's fair.