Stevenage’s popular charter fair is back and will be entertaining people on Friday and Saturday with an extravaganza of fairground stalls, rides, candy floss and prizes.

The Comet: The helter skelter at the fair in 1907The helter skelter at the fair in 1907 (Image: Archant)

The charter fair, which takes place along the High Street between 2.45pm and midnight on both days, is a major part of the town’s history and has been held every year since King Edward I granted Stevenage a charter in 1281 – giving the right to hold a weekly market and yearly fair for all time.

The High Street, Drapers Way, Hitchin Road and part of Lytton Way will be closed to traffic while the fair is in town.

Alternative signed routes will be provided while the road closures are in place.

Councillor Richard Henry – executive member for children, young people and leisure at Stevenage Borough Council – said: “The fair is a much-loved part of Stevenage’s history and always brings the town out in force.”

The Comet: Stevenage Charter Fair in 2015Stevenage Charter Fair in 2015 (Image: Archant)