THE LARGEST travelling Funfair in the South West is once again rolling into town.

Bridgwater’s St. Matthews Field will see a host of rides and stalls open next Wednesday (September 26) and run until Saturday, September 29.

The annual event, which dates back to the charter of King John, is now almost 800 years old. For the last 600 years it has been held on St Matthews Field, named because it was originally held according to a particular day in the Church calendar – the annual feast of Saint Matthew.

Sedgemoor District Council organises, lets out and sets out the street market in West Street, which includes over 100 stalls selling everything from bulbs to zoo prints. On the first day an extra market will be held at the top end of the field, with another 100 stalls. A small horse fair is also run on the first day.

Some 30 main rides at the funfair are organised by The Showman’s Guild. They include favourites like Froggit, Miami Trip, Top Spin and Orbiter, together with around 15 children’s rides and 50 hoopla and side stalls.

The Fair will be opened at 11.30am by Sedgemoor’s Chairman and the Mayor of Bridgwater. Opening and closing times are 11am to 11pm Wednesday, 1pm to 11pm on Thursday, 1pm to 11.30pm on Friday and 11am to 11pm on Saturday.

West Street and adjoining roads will be closed from 9am on Tuesday, September 25, and open on Sunday, September 30. Diversions will be signposted.

From Thursday the Rotary Club of Sedgemoor will be providing car parking on St Matthews Field. Additional public parking will be available at the YMCA, Friarn Avenue, and at Bridgwater Cricket Club, Durleigh Road. A Designated Public Places Order will be in place to tackle antisocial drinking. Alcohol can be confiscated.