New bell rings for Loughborough Fair

Published: Thu 14th November, 2024

  • Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE ringing the Loughborough Fair Bell

An official bell has been presented to Loughborough Fair at the opening of the annual event.

Local showman liaison, Darren Jones commissioned the bell to mark 50 years of the borough of Charnwood and was presented to the borough council at the opening night of Loughborough Fair.

It marked the start of the 803rd fair in Loughborough which opened on Wednesday, 13 November and runs until Saturday, 16 November.

Loughborough now joins many other chartered fairs across the country which own an official fair bell.

Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, said: “It is a real honour to accept and ring the official Loughborough Fair Bell for the first time.

“I would like to thank Darren Jones for presenting the borough with its official fair bell.”

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “Loughborough has a rich history with the iconic fair being 803 years old and the home of bell making, Taylor’s Bellfoundry right on our doorstep so receiving this bell is a fitting way to mark the 50th year of the borough.”

Local showman liaison, Darren Jones, said: “I’m delighted to be able to present the Mayor of Charnwood and this borough with the official Loughborough Fair Bell.

“I have been coming to and working at this fantastic fair for decades and with the borough turning 50 this year, it seems fitting to be able to provide Charnwood with its very own, Loughborough Fair Bell.

“It has been a great way of starting the 803rd Loughborough Fair which I’m sure will be memorable once again.”

The bell was unveiled at the reading of the official proclamation at 5pm on Wednesday, 13 November.

It has been placed on a 6ft stand with two brass plaques to commemorate the bell.

Loughborough is the home of bell making with John Taylor & Co Bellfoundry making bells in the town since 1839 and it recently underwent a multi-million pound revamp to improve the visitor experience and preserve it for the future.

Loughborough Fair is taking place from Wednesday, 13 November to Saturday, 16 November.

You can find information about Loughborough Fair 2024 on the Council’s website.