BRIDGWATER Fair once again returns to St Matthews Field this week complete with a huge outdoor funfair and a large outdoor market.

The event, which is organised by the Showman’s Guild and Sedgemoor District Council, attracts approximately 40,000 visitors each year.

Bridgwater Fair, which is now almost 800 years old, was officially opened today by the mayor of Bridgwater and chairman of Sedgemoor District Council on Wednesday (September 25) at 11am.

The fair will be open 11am to 11pm Wednesday, 1pm to 11pm Thursday, 1pm to 11.30pm Friday, and 11am to 11pm on Saturday.

Road closures for the event come into place from 9am on Tuesday, September 24. As in previous years limited parking will be available Thursday to Saturday, with the Rotary Club of Bridgwater which is located on the Fairfield and costs of £4 per vehicle.

Additional public parking is usually available at the YMCA in Friarn Avenue and at Bridgwater Cricket Club on Durleigh Road.

Traders from across the UK attend the West Street and Fairfield markets with products ranging from clothing and shoes, rugs and cushions, bulbs and plants, china and pottery, as well as various culinary delights.

See Page 19 of this week's Bridgwater Mercury for ride vouchers.