In pictures: ‘Fabulous’ Reach Fair returns
It was that time of year again when crowds descended on the village of Reach for the annual Reach Fair.
The fair dates back to 1201, when King John granted a charter for the holding of a fair in Reach. It has taken place ever since.
The event, on Monday, May 1, began with the original custom of it being opened by the mayor of Cambridge, accompanied by the aldermen in full regalia.
The current mayor, Cllr Mark Ashton, maintained the popular tradition of launching the proceedings by throwing penny coins into the crowd.
He said of the day: “It was excellent; the High Sheriff was in attendance and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Christopher Walkinshaw, and it was the first time the High Sheriff had ever been to Reach.
“The sun came out and it really was a fabulous, good old-fashioned village fête day. Loads of people about, a lovely opening ceremony, the children did the maypole dancing. I had a tour of the site and then sandwiches and a drink for my guests as well. There was about 30 in the party from Cambridge. Everybody really enjoyed themselves.”
[Read more: All the details for the 2023 Reach Ride and Reach Fair on Bank Holiday Monday, Annual Reach fair in Cambridgeshire draws the crowds]
Cllr Ashton added: “You never have enough pennies for the children, and with health and safety you have to be very careful — the days when you could just throw them way up in the air... Nowadays you’ve got to be more gentle...”