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There will be a Covid-safe welcome at St Matthew's Field on Wednesday (September 29) when the fair, and the West Street market, will open.

The event will run until Saturday, October 2.

There will also be the traditional one-day horse fair and market, taking place on Wednesday at the top of St Matthew's Field.

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) said: "Additional measures have been taken to make this event as covid-safe as possible and people are reminded about ‘Face, Space, Mask and Fresh Air’.  

"There will be an SDC marquee at the entrance to West Street, which will have hand sanitiser, face masks and information available as a reminder to fair-goers that Covid is still around, and how to enjoy the event in a safe and responsible manner."

The Showman’s Guild, which organises and manages the main fair, has invited the chairman of SDC, Cllr Alan Bradford and the Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Leigh Redman, to open the fair at 11am on Wednesday.

The remaining opening and closing times for the fair are: 11am to 11pm Wednesday; 1pm to 11pm on Thursday; 1pm to 11.30pm on Friday and 11am to 11pm on Saturday.

In addition to organising the two markets, Sedgemoor District Council also funds public conveniences, first aid, night-time security and generators as well as inspecting the many food stalls selling traditional goodies such as Welsh cakes, brandy snaps and toffee apples. Sedgemoor staff also complete Health and Safety checks and provide skips for trader and visitor waste.

Temporary toilets are provided adjacent to Westfield House; behind the One-Stop shop in West Street and on St Matthews Field near the Horse and Jockey Public House. 

First Aid is provided by St John Ambulance who can be found at the top of West Street behind Westfield Church.

A spokesperson for the team at Sedgemoor said: "We are really looking forward to this year's Bridgwater Fair. We work hard to provide the traditional markets visitors enjoy alongside the Showman's Guild rides and stalls.  

"We are making a special appeal to all visitors to make sure that they are aware of the covid measures in place."

West Street and adjacent roads will be closed from 9am on Tuesday, September 28, and will re-open from 10am on Sunday, October 3.

Diversion routes will be signposted.

Limited parking will be available from Thursday until Saturday with the Rotary Club of Bridgwater in St Matthews Field at a cost of £5 per vehicle.

Other parking is available in town centre pay and display car parks, Sedgemoor-owned car parks are free to use after 6pm.

There will be some parking restrictions in residential streets adjacent to Fairfield and lower Durleigh Road.

For full visitor information, visit www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/bridgwaterfair

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