Thame Fair falls victim to Covid-19 restrictions

DUE to the government’s current Covid-19  guidance for public events, Thame’s September Fair has had to be cancelled on safety grounds.

In an announcement today, Thame Town Council explained: “This decision was made in the interests of the health and well-being of Thame’s residents and those of nearby villages who usually visit the Fair. Given the ongoing Covid-19 social distancing requirements it is not feasible or responsible to hold the September Street Fair in the town centre this year, and the Showmen’s Guild had not been supportive of proposals to reduce the number of rides. 

“No other Street Fair had taken place in the UK since lockdown was enforced. A decision on the October Fair will be made nearer the time.”

A separate statement from the Showmen’s Guild this afternoon read: “Regarding the unfortunate cancellation of the Thame Show Fair, the London & Home Counties Section of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain would like to express their sincere thanks to the Councillors and all representatives of Thame Town Council for their assistance and support during the negotiations for this year’s fair. 

“The Guild recognises that it would not be possible to manage social distancing or comply with all the Government guidelines and therefore understands and is in full agreement with the decision to cancel the fair.  We will be negotiating the October Fair with Thame Town Council in the hope that this Charter Fair will be able to go ahead.  Once again the  Guild would like to thank the Council and we are now looking forward to the 2021 Fairs.”