Hereford and Leominster May Fairs stay on their streets from 2028 after 1,366 people replied. Next year's fairs run 29 April to 1 May and 4 to 6 May 2027.
Hereford’s May Fair will stay in the streets of the city centre, and Leominster’s will stay in the town centre. Herefordshire Council has decided to keep both fairs where they are after a public consultation drew 1,366 replies.
The decision covers the fairs from 2028, when the agreements that allow them to run come up for renewal. It stands until the next review.
Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, approved it. The council announced the decision on 21 October.
What people said
The consultation ran from 23 April to 23 May 2026. The council has published a topline report for each fair.
Hereford had 1,051 responses, and 80 per cent of those came from city residents. According to the Hereford report:
- 71 per cent said the city’s streets are still the right place for the fair, and 26 per cent said they are not
- 70 per cent said it should not move somewhere else; 27 per cent said it should
- 73 per cent said the fair adds to the city’s character and atmosphere
- 77 per cent said it causes them no significant disruption, and 23 per cent said it does
- 48 per cent said the fair is their main reason for coming into the city centre on those three days
Leominster’s backing was clearly narrower. It had 315 responses, 79 per cent of them from residents. The Leominster report shows:
- 55 per cent said the town’s streets are still the right place, but 42 per cent said they are not
- 52 per cent said the fair should not move, against 43 per cent who said it should
- 60 per cent said it adds to the town’s character
- 72 per cent said it causes them no significant disruption
Spending in town during the fair
Both surveys asked how much people spend in shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants when they visit the fair.
| Spend per visit | Hereford | Leominster |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing | 10% | 13% |
| Up to £10 | 7% | 8% |
| £11 to £25 | 20% | 18% |
| £26 to £50 | 24% | 25% |
| £51 or more | 17% | 12% |
| Do not visit the fair | 21% | 23% |
The council said some people raised concerns about the effect on residents and businesses nearby. It says it will use that feedback to plan future fairs and reduce disruption.
“The engagement has shown just how much people value these events and how important it is to keep them in their traditional locations,” Cllr Durkin said.
Why Hereford’s fair matters
Hereford’s charter dates back to 1121. The council says that makes it the oldest surviving charter fair in Britain. The fair is still opened by a ceremonial proclamation in which the Mayor offers the Bishop 12 and a half bushels of wheat as payment for letting it go ahead.
What it means for you
Nothing changes for next spring. The council’s May Fairs page already lists the 2027 dates:
- Leominster May Fair: Thursday 29 April to Saturday 1 May 2027
- Hereford May Fair: Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 May 2027
In Hereford, rides can run from 3.45pm to 11pm on the Tuesday and from noon to 11pm on the Wednesday and Thursday.
The road closures are the same pattern as every year. In Hereford, these streets close from 5pm on Monday 3 May until 7am on Friday 7 May 2027:
- Broad Street, from West Street and East Street to King Street
- King Street
- Bridge Street, from St Nicholas Street to Gwynne Street
- St Owen Street, from St Peters Square to St Ethelbert Street
- St Nicholas Street, from Bridge Street to Berrington Street
- High Town, Commercial Street and St Peters Street
The council does not signpost diversions, and Gwynne Street becomes two-way. It warns of extra queues on St Martins Street towards the A49.
In Leominster, Corn Street, Corn Square, Victoria Street and part of Broad Street close from 6pm on Wednesday 28 April until 8am on Sunday 2 May 2027.
For other closures around the city, see our Hereford roadworks and travel page. Questions about the fairs go to the council at markets@herefordshire.gov.uk.
Have your say