One of Europe’s largest travelling fairs will return to Hull this month for its 732nd year.
Opening this Friday, 9 October, and taking over 16 acres of Walton Street car park, Hull Fair boasts attractions from across the country. This year there are more than 300 attractions from rollercoasters and white-knuckle-rides to hook-a-duck and bingo, along with over 80 rides for children.
The fair will be officially opened at 4pm with a ring of the bell by Lord Mayor, Councillor Maria Coward, on a waltzer ride.
“Our teams and partners have done an excellent job, as always, in building this incredible event and ensuring all the thousands of visitors have an enjoyable and most importantly safe experience – huge thanks to them.
“Never did I ever imagine that I would have the honour of officially opening Hull Fair. It is such a privilege and I’ll be ringing that bell for all the childhood friends I had and still have today.”
Humberside Police remains a key partner in operating a safe and successful fair and will have a visible presence during the event.
Chief Inspector Derek Hussain said: “It’s great to welcome Hull Fair back to the city for another year. We are working hard with Hull City Council and supporting the Showmen’s Guild to ensure everyone has a fantastic time.
“Hull Fair is one of the largest fairs in Europe and has been a part our history for many years. I have many enjoyable childhood memories of it! It is a great event for family and friends across our communities and welcomes visitors from afar.
“Our teams will be at the fair every day to make sure that both visitors and workers feel safe throughout the week. We will be happy to chat with you, even if it’s just to tell us which is the best ride!
“Whilst we want everyone who visits the fair to have an enjoyable time, I want to make it clear that those who come and commit crime or antisocial behaviour will be dealt with robustly by my teams to ensure that everyone else enjoys their time at the fair.
“If you have any concerns about anything you see at the event, please come and speak with the Hull City Council stewards or any of the police officers who will be on the podiums as they are every year.
“You can also get in touch by calling our non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If someone is in immediate danger or there is an emergency, please call 999.”
New food and drink offers for 2026 include old-school desserts, Chinese barbecued street food, toasted sandwiches and milkshakes, as well as loaded fries.
Thrill seekers will love brand new rides visiting the fair for 2026, including the Elevate 85, which currently holds the record for the worlds tallest mobile ride, and the Sartori Techno Jump.
For those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there are in excess of 100 stalls offering games such as hook-a-duck, bingo and darts.
The fair will run until Saturday 17 October (closed Sunday 11 October) and opens from 2 – 11pm daily (from 12noon on Saturday).
A number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in place from Tuesday 6 October. They can be found here.
Sunday 11 October sees MKM host the Hull City v Everton match. Although the fair is not operating that day, Walton St remains fully closed to traffic. Attendees are asked to plan their journeys and use public transport where possible.
Limited official Hull Fair parking is available within the MKM Stadium carpark, charged at £6 per car. Additional Hull Fair buses will be operating as well as park and rides from Priory Park and Humber Bridge carparks.
For further information about bus services and ticket prices, check out these handy guides from Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire Buses.
Anyone cycling to Hull Fair will find cycle parking available at the Tigers Trust Arena in a well-lit area close to the fair security office.
A temporary airspace restriction for drones will be in place over the Hull Fair site and surrounding area during this year’s fair, as part of the safety and security arrangements for one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs. More information can be found here.