May Fair in Fratton attracts 10,000 visitors

The annual event at St Mary’s Church in Fratton saw around 10,000 people through its gates yesterday.

Families enjoyed the range of stalls, games and activities as well as a beer tent and entertainment.

Visitors welcomed the range of stalls, organisations and entertainment at the fair.

In the arena, there were dance performances from youngsters, singers and morris dancers.

Mum-of-two Carly Hill, 29, from Fratton said: ‘We really liked watching the dancing and my girls enjoyed the singers.

‘The whole day was really fun and there was lots of variety.

‘The stalls were good to look around but you could sit and enjoy the entertainment.

‘We come every year and although the sun wasn’t shining, this year was one of the best.’

Her daughter Amy, seven, added: ‘I liked the dancers and trying to win toys at the games. It was a fun day.’

John and Heather Coles, also from Fratton, went with their children Maddison, 12, and Josh, nine.

Heather said: ‘This was the first time as we only moved to the area recently.

‘It was a good day out and the kids enjoyed it.

‘There was lots to do and it was great to see so many families.

‘I liked the fact a lot of the stalls were from businesses in the Portsmouth area.’

John added: ‘The fair had a little bit of everything from the beer tent for adults to the fairground rides for kids.’

Friends Chloe Smith and Hannah Brown enjoyed trying the real ale.

Chloe, 21, said: ‘We were just passing and thought we would pop in and have a look around.

‘The real ale tent was really good – it was nice to have a beer while walking around the stalls.’

Hannah, 21, agreed. She said: ‘There was lots to look at and I was impressed with the range of stalls. There were clothes, little trinkets but sweets and food too.’

Despite the overcast weather, attendance was as high as expected.

Father Bob White, from St Mary’s Church, off Fratton Road, said: ‘This is a big event on people’s calendars and whatever the weather we still get thousands of visitors.

‘People enjoy coming down and enjoying the day. There was a great atmosphere and we were busy throughout the day.

‘In the first couple of hours, 3,000 of our programmes were gone which shows how busy it was.’

The fair had small rides, horse rides and fairground games as well as a range of information stalls on groups in the Fratton area.

Father Bob added: ‘This year we had a lot more community groups get involved.

‘Inside the church there were a number of stalls giving out information which was great. The Madani Academy was one of those, which is good.

‘Having a range of organisations get involved was great because it reflects the diversity of Fratton.’