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Bell rung to mark the start of 732nd Hull Fair

Grace McGroryEast Yorkshire & Lincolnshire
News imageBBC/Becki Bowden Dignitaries stand on a fairground ride platform during a ceremony at Hull Fair. A figure in traditional town crier-style attire rings a bell at the centre of the stage while others clap. BBC/Becki Bowden
The event was opened at 16:00 BST by the Lord Mayor

The 732nd Hull Fair is officially under way.

In keeping with tradition, the city's Lord Mayor, Councillor Maria Coward, rang the bell on the waltzer ride to mark the start of the event at 16:00 BST on Friday.

The annual event, one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, has more than 300 attractions this year.

Showman Richard Story, who first worked at the fair as a teenager 60 years ago, said: "It's not just a fair, it's a tradition. It's what we do. It never ceases to amaze me, the calibre of the equipment, that's on this fairground."

He added: "If somebody would have said 20 to 30 years ago they'd be travelling the likes of these machines, I'd have said no chance whatsoever.

"Now we've got all these mobile cranes and travelling gear. It's unimaginable."

News imageBBC/Leanne Brown Richard Story - a man wearing a beige jumper - stands in front of a fairground prize stall filled with oversized soft toys, including teddy bears, pigs and pandas. BBC/Leanne Brown
Showman Richard Story, 73, says he started working at the fair when he was 13 and "thoroughly enjoys it"
News imageBBC/Leanne Brown Duran Gallagher stands inside a food stall, wearing a light grey zip-up fleece. Behind the counter are menu boards listing items including hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks. BBC/Leanne Brown
Duran Gallagher, from Dowse Events Catering, says working at the event is "hard but we do really enjoy it. It's part of our culture"
News imageBBC/Becki Bowden A family of four pose at Hull Fair in front of a brightly lit amusement ride. More rides, a Ferris wheel and illuminated attractions can be seen in the background under a clear blue sky.BBC/Becki Bowden
Kimberly, from Hull, says she has been coming to the fair for 25 years and loves how it brings everybody together
News imageBBC/Becki Bowden Two women are standing in front of a fairground ride with illuminated attractions and visitors visible in the background. BBC/Becki Bowden
Nicci and Paula travelled from Oxfordshire for the event. Nicci says she has been visiting the fair for 45 years
News imageBBC/Becki Bowden A woman wearing ceremonial robes and a hat stands among the rides at Hull Fair. Colourful amusement attractions and fairground lights fill the background, including a ride decorated with American football-themed artwork.BBC/Becki Bowden
Lord Mayor Councillor Maria Coward rang the bell on the waltzer ride to mark the start of the fair
News imageBBC/Joe Bilton Aerial view of Hull Fair shows rows of brightly coloured rides, stalls and attractions spread across Walton Street. Two large Ferris wheels and a towering swing ride dominate the fairground, with residential areas and green spaces visible in the background.BBC/Joe Bilton
The fair will run until Saturday 17 October, but will be closed on Sunday 11 October

Opening times are:

Friday 9 October – 16:00 to 23:00 BST

Saturday 10 October – 12:00 to 23:00

Sunday 11 October – Closed

Monday 12 October to Friday 16 October – 14:00 to 23:00

Saturday 17 October – 12:00 to 23:00

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