TRADERS, CHARITIES AND businesses could see a boost as the Abergele Medieval Fair returns.
The second annual Elfod Fair will kick off on Saturday and will build on last year’s successful event.
In 2010, about 3,000 people packed the town, which enjoyed one of its busiest days for many years, and the organisers hope that this year will be even bigger and better.
Visitors are being encouraged to turn up in costume, whether as a monk, maiden or a merry-making jester.
However, this will be the last year that fair-goers can experience the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages, as next year’s fair might feature cowboys, indians and the frontier.
Organiser Jeannette Dew said: “The idea is to change the theme for 2011, and it will be the Wild West. There has been enormous support for this new theme already.”
The Elfod Fair, which is backed by the Town Council and local businesses, includes a host of entertainments.
Falconers will rub shoulders with knights and street performers, and although it may seem anachronistic, sumo wrestling offers a light hearted look at a tradition that stretches back to Medieval Japan.
Jeanette Dew said that last year, people came from far and wide and tourists said they had never done anything like this where they came from.
She said: “It’s so important for the town. Weather permitting it will be much larger than last year.
“There’s still a lot of work to do before the day, however we are getting excited about it.”
Revellers will be able to take part in duck racing, a bungee run and fun fair rides, while food tasting, a hog roast and a crepe stall will provide refreshments, and it is hoped that local charities will benefit from stalls set up on the day.
Guest of honour this year is Archdeacon Shirley Griffiths, the former vicar of Abergele.
Cllr John Pitt of the Gele ward said: “I’m sure it will be marvellous for local businesses. Anything bringing more people into the town will be brilliant.”
However, Cllr Pitt warned that drivers should be aware that road closures will be in force from Bridge street, to Maes y dre and the bottom of St Georges Road.
Anyone interested in helping organise future fairs should contact Jeannette on 01745 839008 (day) or 822576 (evenings).