Side shows, rides, stalls, crowds, lights, and show family dynasties, all featured in Stephen Smith’s roundup of the history of Hull Fair.  A stand-out feature of his enthusiastic talk were the many photographs, some dating to before 1900.

Hull got its charter to hold a fair way back in 1293.  It moved to the Walton Street showground in 1888, and now attracts showmen from far and wide. Stephen looked into the transport difficulties of a travelling showman through the ages, from elephant hauled carts to the railways.

Stephen pointed out that the showmen were the first to use electric lights and to show movies. The cakewalk arrived in 1907, the steam swing boats about 1920, and the ghost train and speedway in the 1930’s.  The speeding caterpillar was loved by courting couples when the cover came over.

Stephen’s review took us up to the 1960’s, but he was pleased to report that this year’s Hull Fair was a popular as ever.

The vote of thanks was given by Bro Keith Kaye.