Opening of Neath Fair

There was a gathering of the chain gang this afternoon in Neath civic centre as we came together for the opening of the 739th annual Neath Fair. Obviously the nature of this event has changed over the years, but it is still the case that the event is recognised as the fourth largest Chartered Street Trading Fair in the UK, and can trace its origin back to the original Charter granted in 1280.

There was a drinks reception to kick off the opening, some photos and speeches and then the Mayoral party made its way through the town centre to the other side of the railway line, behind Neath Station, to the car park where the fairground is situated.

There are a large number of stalls situated in the town centre selling their wares but all the rides are in the station car park. The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot opened the fair by ringing two large bells and then he and some of his party tried a number of the rides. I abstained, just grateful that the heavy rain had turned to sunshine.