New ride planned for Ludlow May Fair

Thrillseekers could enjoy a new ride at the Ludlow May Fair.

The annual tradition will be arriving in the town from 5pm on Wednesday, April 29, and will be open to the public from Thursday, April 30 to Monday, May 4.

The event will once again transform Mill Street, Market Square and Events Square into a vibrant celebration of tradition, community and family fun.

Road closures will be in place from 5pm on Wednesday, April 29 until 10am on Tuesday, May 5. These include High Street, Mill Street, Castle Square and Dinham (between Castle Square and Camp Lane).

Through-traffic restrictions will also apply on Broad Street, and the one-way order on Bell Lane will be suspended. Castle Street car park will be closed for the duration of the fair, and residents will be asked to remove vehicles from Mill Street by 4pm on Wednesday, April 29.

To make way for the fair, Ludlow Market on Market Square will close following the regular market on Monday, April 27, and reopen on Wednesday, May 6. Traders will instead operate under the Buttercorss, as well as Lee’s Farm Shop on April 29, May 1 and May 2, and Evans Family Butchers on May 4.

The May Fair has been in Ludlow for over 900 years, with records dating back to 1461. Since the 1960s, the Wynn family has brought the fair to the town, with its long-standing partnership helping to preserve the May Fair’s unique character.

Today, Ed Danter plays a leading role in contining the tradition, working alongside his wife, Maxine Wynn. Carole Wynn also continues to play an active role, honouring the legacy of her late husband, David Wynn, whose contribution to Ludlow is remembered with a memorial bench in Castle Gardens.

In a letter to Ludlow Town Council, Mr Danter has said the organisers would like to have a new ride, called Star Flyer, in Castle Square.
Measuring 12 metres in diameter and 40 metres in height, the ride involves people sat in a swing, providing panoramic views.

Mr Danter said it would be a great addition to Ludlow May Fair, and there will be sufficient space for emergency vehicle access and pedestrian safety around the location of the new ride.

Ludlow Town Council will consider the request this Monday (April 20).