In pictures: Reach Fair and Ride prove a crowd-pleaser
It was that time of year again when all the fun of the fair came to the village of Reach for the annual Fair.
In 1201, King John granted a charter for the holding of a fair in the village and it has taken place every year since.
The fair was officially opened, as has long been the tradition, at midday on bank holiday Monday (6 May) by the mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood, accompanied by the aldermen in full regalia, and pennies were thrown into the crowd for children to collect.
For some however, the fun began earlier in the day as around 850 people set off on the annual Reach Ride, which involves cyclists of all ages and abilities riding to the fair.
There were two Penny Farthing riders on the route, three dogs on bikes and a group of six-year-olds who were pedalling the journey for the first time.
Other cyclists included around 30 who rode from Ely with Ely Cycling Campaign, King’s Lynn-based representatives of KLWNBUG (the Norfolk and Fens Cycling Campaign) and cycling visitors from Essex, Suffolk and Kent.
The most far-flung Reach Rider was Mary, from Michigan, who fulfilled a long-held ambition to take part.
Camcycle’s CEO, Roxanne De Beaux, said: “The Reach Ride just gets better and better: today has been an amazing success.
“Camcycle would like to thank all those who make this event run so smoothly – our brilliant staff and volunteer teams, our busy team of roving mechanics from Outspoken Cycles, Cambridge City Council, who support this ride, and Cambridgeshire County Council who were busy mending potholes near Reach just last week.
“We’re delighted that so many people enjoyed riding with us and hope it’s just the start of a wonderful summer of cycling around Cambridgeshire.”
The 17th Reach Ride is planned for bank holiday Monday, 5 May 2025.
Events at the Reach Fair included Maypole dancing by Swaffham Prior School, Morris dancing, and music and magic from Soham-based entertainer JezO.
For more on the fair, visit reachfair.org.uk.