Loughborough Fair 2024 - Frequently asked questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about Loughborough Fair.

For general information including opening dates/times, list of rides, car parking, etc. visit the main Loughborough Fair webpage.

Can I pay by cash and/or card?

The rides are operated by the showmen and they use a mixture of contactless payment and cash. If cash is required, there are plenty of cash machines in Loughborough town centre.

Where are the public toilets during the fair?

The Market Place public toilets are open during Loughborough Fair from 9am until 11pm, with a fee of 20p as per usual opening hours. Disabled toilets have a pay machine, but Radar Key users can use the facilities for free.

Can carers ride for free?

This is at the discretion of each of the showmen and their rides, we’re aware that rides on Swan Street will allow carers to ride for free with the person in their care.

Will the fair be affected by the scaffolding around HSBC?

The layout to this year’s Loughborough Fair will be altered slightly due to the scaffolding outside HSBC but this will not affect the number or types of rides that will be on offer to visitors.

I lost an item while visiting the fair, who do I contact?

If you have lost an item while attending the fair, please speak to the events team on site marked as members of Charnwood Borough Council, stewards and medical team, or call the markets and fairs office on 01509 634624 if you’re no longer at the fair between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

Regarding lost items, depending on the value of the item we will require you to email the details including images to fairs@charnwood.gov.uk with proof of ownership. If we confirm we have the lost item it can be collected by appointment made with the market and fairs office on 01509 634624, after which it can be collected from the office which is in the Town Hall Passageway (next to the Town Hall), Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB.

Attending with children and at risk adults

Parents and guardians are encouraged to take a photo of their child/children or at risk adults when attending Loughborough Fair so in the unlikely scenario of them going missing, they can be identified by the events team and police. A missing persons point will also be set-up at Loughborough Fair to help reunite lost children or at risk adults as quickly as possible.

How much are this year's rides at Loughborough Fair?

The prices for the rides at Loughborough Fair are managed by the showmen and prices can vary depending on the type of kiosk and stall or the size of the ride.

Where can I park my car when visiting the fair?

The Beehive Lane multi-storey car park and Southfield Road car parks are available during the hours of the fair.

Please note, the lifts at Beehive Lane multi-storey car park will not be operating after 6.30pm.

Southfield offices car park will also be open to the public outside of the Council’s opening times.

Granby Street car park will be closed from 4pm on Monday, 11 November  due to the area being used for rides and attractions.

For more details about Council car parks in Loughborough, visit our parking webpage.

There are also other car parks not owned by the Council available throughout the town centre.

Are there any secure cycle parking locations in Loughborough?

Yes. They can be found at Churchgate, The Rushes Shopping Centre, Derby Square, High Street, Baxter Gate, Lemyngton Street, Granby Street and Woodgate.

Where and when can I get the bus to visit the fair?

Please use the links below to find out information about bus times and locations:

Arriva

Kinchbus

Where is the nearest taxi rank if I'm travelling to/from the fair?

The Biggin Street Taxi rank will be operating as normal as is within proximity of the Fair.

Can I do any filming at the fair?

Tripods for cameras can be a tripping hazard and anyone filming must be responsible for managing the risks created. We reserve the right to move people on if they appear to be putting others at risk e.g. if filming in a congested area. Ideally, two people are required when filming to manage the situation properly. You will also be required to have a copy of your £5m public liability insurance on you for inspection.

Where is the markets and fairs office in Loughborough?

Markets and Fairs Office

Town Hall Passage

Market Place

Loughborough

LE11 3EB

Where is the nearest police station?

Loughborough Police Station

Southfield Road

Loughborough

LE11 2XF

More details can be found on the Leicestershire Police website. You can also follow Charnwood Police on X @CharnwoodPolice.

Pitch availability

Unfortunately, we do not offer new pitches at the fair as they are all currently occupied by showmen who have been attending for many years and we currently have no space available.

Can I distribute leaflets during Loughborough Fair?

Whilst Loughborough Fair is in town we request that no leaflet distribution takes place.

Can I fly a drone at Loughborough Fair?

To ensure the safety of all those visiting the fair we would ask that drones are not used at the event.