Popular long-running May Fayre in Fratton postponed over pandemic fears

St Mary’s Church, Fratton, has been forced to shelve plans to host its annual May fayre - one of the largest attractions in the city.

The event in St Mary’s Road, now in its 35th year, was due to take place on May 8.

But organisers have offered a glimmer of hope after saying it could be held later in the year.

In a statement, the church said: ‘In the light of the current situation it seems that it is wise to postpone the May Fayre 2020 due to be held on Friday, May 8.

‘However, we have been developing a contingency plan with two stages.’

If it is safe, the fayre will now be held on August 15 but if that is not possible then it will not take place until next year.

The statement said the new provisional date ‘coincides with a church festival which is in one sense our birthday as a community’.

It added: ‘The second stage is that if this is not possible (and we will all just have to wait and see and we will keep under review) we will postpone to Monday, May 3, 2021.

‘All those who have made bookings will be contacted over the coming days with further information.

‘We look forward to enjoying a great celebration with all of you – when the time is right.’