Road closures are set to take place with the arrival of Stamford's annual Mid-Lent Fair this month.

Held in mid-Lent, the fair is now the largest street fair in Lincolnshire and among the largest in the country. Although it now centres around many modern commodities, such as fairground rides, games, street food, and sweets, the fair dates back to 942AD.

In the late 1100's, King John granted charter for the Stamford and Grantham mid-Lent fairs, ensuring that they would remain a celebrate annual occurrence for over 900 years. 

It is even mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 2 (Act 3, Scene 2) when Shadow asks: How a good yoke of bullocks at Stamford fair?

Visitris enjoying the fair. Image credit: Nub News.

The Stamford fair will be open from Monday 20 March until Saturday 25 March 2023. It will bring attractions to Broad Street, Star Lane, Red Lion Square, Sheep Market, Castle Dyke and Bath Row.

The official opening will take place at the Waltzers on Broad Street at 6pm on Monday 20 March, however the fair will roll into town on Saturday 18 March with road closures in place throughout:

Saturday 18 March 5pm until Sunday 26 March 6am: Bath Row Car Park, Gooches Court Car Park, Castle Dyke, Sheepmarket.

Sunday 19 March 8am to Sunday 26 March 6am: Castle Street, Red Lion Square.

Sunday 19 March 12 noon to Sunday 26 March 6am: Broad Street, Star Lane, Newgates, Red Lion Street.

Friday 17 March 5pm to Sunday 26 March 8am: Top portion of Cattlemarket Car Park.

Please be aware there will be no collections of garden waste at Cattlemarket Car Park on Saturday 18th and 25 March.

The fair then moves to the Market Place in Grantham on Sunday 26 March until Wednesday 29thMarch. 

The fair is one of the biggest in the Midlands. Image credit: Nub News.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Kelham Cooke said: "We are really looking forward to welcoming the Mid Lent Fair to Stamford and Grantham once again.

"The fairs are a colourful part of our tradition and always hugely popular with residents and visitors alike.

"With over 100 rides and attractions for all ages to enjoy, it will be wonderful to see fantastic entertainment right here on our doorsteps."

Whether you want to take a spin on the waltzers, brave it on white-knuckle rides, eat some sticky candyfloss or try your hand at hooking some ducks - there will be something for everyone.

See you there!