The mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Baiju Thittala, officially opened this year’s Midsummer Fair with the traditional proclamation ceremony last Wednesday evening (19 June) and then tried out some of the rides, as our pictures show.
After the opening ceremony, which featured speeches from the mayor and town crier, the centuries-old tradition of scattering pennies took place.
Cllr Thittala said: “It was my privilege to open Midsummer Fair – a tradition that has continued for over eight centuries.
“It was a historic moment and afterwards I was fortunate to be able to enjoy the rides with some of my city council colleagues.”
The fair, which is run by the Showmen’s Guild, has taken place on Midsummer Common since 1211, when a Royal Charter granted by King John established what had been an informal gathering as an annual event – an event which is now in its 811th year.
The 2024 fair was held from Wednesday, 19 June until Sunday, 23 June.
