Heart-stopping rides, side-shows, food stalls and ancient ceremonies are all part of the street extravaganza that is Hereford's May Fair.
The streets come alive during the three-day festival each year as thousands flock to the Fairs, some from other counties, to enjoy the festival atmosphere and myriad of entertainment.
Leominster
Before Hereford, the May Fair will come to Leominster from 6pm on Wednesday 2 May.
The Fair will be open in Corn Square and Broad Street from 4pm-11pm on Thursday 3 May, following an opening ceremony in Corn Square at approximately 3.45pm, and 12midday to 11pm on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 May. The High Street will be closed to traffic.
The Fair will vacate the streets by 9am on Sunday 6 May and town centre businesses will be open as usual throughout.
Hereford
Up to 200 showmen and women from around the country will then make their way to Hereford to prepare for the 8 May grand opening.
Dean Deakin, Chairman of the South Wales and Northern Ireland Section of The Showman's Guild, said: "Once again we are proud to present Hereford's annual May Fair arriving Bank Holiday Monday 7 May when we start setting up from 6pm".
"A warm welcome awaits when you join us at this historic and impressive traditional fun fair. Showmen from all over the UK will provide excitement, fun and laughter from riding the heart-stopping white knuckle rides to bumper to bumper fun, not forgetting the thrills of the children and traditional rides. From rides to stalls we have it all, including some new attractions for 2018!"
The Opening Ceremony is at 3.45pm on the Tuesday May 8 at Cathedral Close. A ceremonial offering of 12-and-a-half bushels of wheat is made by the Mayor to the Bishop of Hereford as payment for allowing the fair to proceed.
This year's ceremony will once again see the ringing of the fair bells. Commissioned by the national President and local Chairman of the Showmans Guild, the bells are rung to signify the opening of each Guild fair in the division.
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