Fairs and Showgrounds

Mr Alex Sobel thanked all contributors, highlighted the plight of fairground businesses due to cancelled events this year, acknowledged the efforts of showpeople during the pandemic as key workers, criticised the lack of financial support from the Government despite adaptations made by fairgrounds to become covid-secure, and pointed out that direct cash grants are worth only half what they were during the first lockdown. He also mentioned the Scottish Government's £1.5 million compensation for Scottish showmen. Inquired if CRF funding criteria would be extended to allow showpeople to apply for that funding, as mentioned by other Members.

Expressed concern over the cancellation of fairs and showgrounds events due to the pandemic, impacting local communities and showpeople's livelihoods. Cited specific historical examples like Glasgow Green Fair and Kirkcaldy Links Market. Highlighted families' generational involvement in the industry and their financial difficulties, including debt and loss of income. Ms Alison Thewliss was thanked by Alex Sobel for highlighting the specialist manufacturing sector, which is worth £200 million to the national economy and includes unique skills that are vital to fairground operators. Asked the Minister about supporting the development of plug-in points in European cities to enable funfair operators to use electric charging points rather than diesel.

Noticed the Minister is concluding his comments and asked what steps he will take to ensure those who cannot get support receive it, suggesting local authorities need more funding.

Expressed concern for showmen and women in South Shields who feel discriminated against during the pandemic. Highlighted inconsistencies in local council decisions affecting fairs, despite clear government guidance allowing operation under certain tiers. Noted that showmen face difficulty speaking out due to existing relationships with councils. Emphasised the need for clearer guidance from the Government to ensure fair treatment and lift national spirits through funfair activities.

I have been contacted by several constituents about the uncertainty surrounding fairs and showgrounds in light of recent government measures. The lack of clear guidance has caused anxiety for event organisers and stallholders. Mr Wild highlighted the importance of fairgrounds, particularly the King's Lynn mart in his constituency. He raised concerns about inconsistent local authority regulations and the financial and mental health impacts on showmen due to cancellations despite national guidance allowing them to operate. He also noted that travelling fairgrounds are not being given equal status with other cultural organisations when applying for recovery funds. Mr James Wild's passion for the King's Lynn mart was acknowledged by Alex Sobel, who noted that local authorities need support from the coronavirus relief fund to assist fairground businesses. He also emphasised the need for financial assistance in addition to trading aspects of fairs and fairgrounds.

Mr Howell highlighted the historical significance of fairs and showgrounds in British life, noting their economic and social benefits. He mentioned that due to coronavirus restrictions, many fairgrounds could not operate during peak times such as Easter and bank holidays, resulting in significant financial losses. Mr Howell emphasized inconsistencies between local authorities' decisions regarding reopening of fairgrounds despite the Government's guidelines allowing them to open if they were covid-secure. Mr Paul Howell was noted by Alex Sobel for highlighting the outdoor nature and benefits of fairs and fairgrounds for people's wellbeing during the pandemic. He also pointed out that fairground businesses are based outdoors and have made significant efforts to operate safely despite not receiving priority compared to other sectors.

Mr Graham thanked the Chair for allowing him to join the debate and congratulated the hon. Member for Glasgow East on securing it. He highlighted the importance of fairs and showgrounds in communities, mentioning specific examples like the Barton Fayre in Gloucester which has been running for over 130 years. During the pandemic, showmen adapted by helping supermarkets deliver food to vulnerable people. Mr Graham called on the Government to signal that holding fairs is possible with safety guidelines and encouraged local councils to consider applications from showmen for cash grants. The hon. Gentleman is making a good speech, but it is a bit unkind to say that the Government have done nothing for showpeople. Gloucester City Council extended the amount of time Willie Wilson funfair could open, allowing more people to benefit from it. Mr Richard Graham, an honourable member of the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, was thanked by Alex Sobel for his unique qualification to comment on and represent showpeople's concerns. He highlighted the decline in parliamentary support for fairgrounds but expressed hope for returning to the glory days of supporting showpeople. Agreed with the Minister's point, proposing collaboration between MHCLG colleagues to encourage council leaders to address the needs of showmen and suggested finding a councillor to coordinate this effort.

Sir David Amess highlighted the challenges faced by fairs and showgrounds due to fashion changes, lack of clear guidance from councils during the pandemic, and the absence of financial support through the cultural recovery fund. He emphasized the importance of these events in community life and called for clearer guidelines for council permission, continuation of red diesel use, and more financial support.