It is widely considered one of the largest travelling street fairs in Europe
Ilkeston Charter Fair is widely recognised as one of the largest and oldest street fairs in Europe, dating back to 1252 when King Henry III granted Ilkeston the right to hold an annual market.
The fair has been a significant part of Ilkeston’s identity and a key event in the town’s calendar for over 770 years. It features a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, food stalls, and traditional side-shows. The fair not only brings joy to visitors but also boosts the local economy and celebrates the town’s heritage.
Dates: 21–25 October 2026
Location: Ilkeston town centre
Duration: 5 days
First held: 1252
Ilkeston Charter Fair 2026 will run from Wednesday 21 October to Sunday 25 October 2026.
The event now takes place over five days, following a recent extension to include Sunday.
Ilkeston Charter Fair is held in Ilkeston town centre, centred around the Market Place and surrounding streets.
During the event, large sections of the town are closed to traffic to make space for rides, stalls and visitors.
Ilkeston Charter Fair is a traditional annual street fair featuring:
Initially, fairs were mainly trading events, but amusements and festivities were also associated with them on holy days. The start of hiring fairs dates back to the 14th Century with the passing of the Statute of Labourers in 1351 by Edward III.
Famous show families have been a part of the fair’s history, including Samuel Taylor, the famous Ilkeston Giant, and John Albert Proctor. Showmen and local authorities developed a strong relationship, and the event’s first civic opening was in 1931. Following local government reorganisation in 1974, Erewash Borough Council has continued to develop the friendship and expand the fair.
King Henry III granted the Charter in 1252, making the fair older than Nottingham’s famous Goose Fair, and it remains one of Europe’s largest street fairs.
The King’s Charter begins: ‘Know ye that we have granted and by this our charter confirmed to our beloved and faithful Hugh son of Ralph, that he and his heirs for ever shall have free warren in all their demesne lands of Elkesdon.’
Dated the 10th of April 1252, the Charter was granted by the King to Hugh de Muskham and gives the lord of the manor and the townsfolk of Ilkeston – written back then as Elkesdon – the right to hold a market on Thursdays and an annual fair on the Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary in August.
Each year, the fair brings a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including:
The event attracts visitors from across Derbyshire and beyond.
Ilkeston Charter Fair is a key part of the town’s identity and one of its biggest annual events.
It brings:
For many residents, it remains a long-standing tradition.