Chichester and Aldwick dates for vintage fair

Spokeswoman Sophie said: “Carters Steam Fair is the world’s largest travelling vintage funfair and has been touring the towns and villages of London and the home counties for nearly 40 years.

“The equipment is carefully restored and maintained, funfair rides and side shows from the Victorian era to the 1960s. The fair is part living history, with vintage trucks and traditional showman’s living wagons all part of the spectacle. There are a wide range of rides and attractions to suit all age groups, and the fair offers a really great family day out.

“Carters Steam Fair has been a family undertaking from the start. The showman’s lifestyle always will be, and it’s a hugely-positive and rewarding way of life. In 1977, John and Anna Carter began it all when they bought the Steam Gallopers that Carters Steam Fair runs to this day. When it was restored and on the road, John added the Chair-o-Plane and a few side stalls, using the winters to restore and maintain equipment that travelled all summer.

“The fast-growing family grew up among the rides, living in a couple of showman’s wagons. Taking on the Steam Yachts’ restoration was a labour of love that most people would not have contemplated.

“In 1999 a new yard was found for the winters, just before John was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This was a great shock to the family as his health deteriorated suddenly and he died in 2000. His enthusiasm and vision had been a guiding force for the fair, along with Anna’s support and skill, and their children had inherited a love for the fair and for what it stood for. After a very difficult few months, it was decided to get the fair back out on the road and continue what John had started.

“The fair has since grown from strength to strength, with Anna, Seth, Joby and Rosie Carter all personally involved, and with many family friends and supporters working hard to keep it on the road.”

Their dates include:

West Park Aldwick, August 14-23, opens at 12 noon every day, closes 10pm Fridays and Saturdays, closes 8pm other days.

Oaklands Park, Chichester, August 29-September 6, opens at 12 noon every day, closes 10pm Fridays and Saturdays, closes 8pm other days.

www.CartersSteamFair.co.uk.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.