Hereford May Fair: Old pictures from over the years

Members of the Hereford Times' We Grew Up in Hereford Facebook group have been reminiscing on old memories of the fair, with several photos spanning a hundred years, ranging from the late 19th century all the way up to the 1990s, being shared.

Hereford May Fair in 1895 (Image: Hereford Times)

John Price wrote of his fond memories, and how it's "one of the few traditions Hereford has left".

Hereford May Fair in 1905 (Image: Ledbury Reporter)

"For three days, when the fair rolls in, Hereford will come to life," he wrote. "Lots of people walking around, excited kids on the rides, loud music and the smell of food, just like the old Hereford I remember."

Hereford May Fair during the First World War (Image: We Grew Up in Hereford)

He added: "When I was a kid, we didn't have laptops or Playstations or theme parks so the May Fair was the highlight of the year.

Hereford May Fair in the 1950s/60s (Image: We Grew Up in Hereford)

"There was a helter-skelter, a big carousel, the dodgems, the waltzers, the big wheel and a ghost train. Then later the rotor. I still feel as if I could do the rides but my brain says I am having a laugh.

Hereford May Fair in the 1950s/60s (Image: Richard Sockett)

"Most of us have memories of the fair. One of my old friends met his future wife there. The fair is one of the few traditions we have left. It's been coming here for over 900 years and it would be a shame to lose it."

Hereford May Fair in the 1950s/60s (Image: Richard Sockett)

The May Fair was held by the Bishop in Broad Street until 1838 when control was taken over by the city council.

Hereford May Fair in the 1950s/60s (Image: Richard Sockett)

Originally named St Ethelbert’s Fair it lasted for nine days with the bishop along with the Dean and Chapter collecting rent and toll from the six city gates.

The fair was run as a business venture with stalls selling goods and services until the 20th century when workers were given more free time to spend money throwing ping-pong balls into metal buckets.

Hereford May Fair in the 1990s (Image: We Grew Up in Hereford)

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The annual May Fair remains popular today, with thrilling rides and food stalls on offer.

It opens today (Tuesday, May 7) at 3.45pm.

Excitement for this year's fair was also shared on social media, with Celia Nash writing: "The smell of hot dogs, candy floss, toffee apples, the laughter and shouts of those on the rides. Wouldn't miss it for the world."