Last updated: 15 October 2026
Ilkeston Charter Fair returns from Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 October 2026, bringing five days of rides, stalls and fairground food to the town centre.
From your first ride to your journey home, Ilkeston News’ guide brings together the opening times, quieter Sunday session, traditional ceremony and travel arrangements. Save this page to help plan your visit.
Jump to: Opening times · Quiet session · Opening ceremony · Car park closures · Road closures · Traffic changes · Getting there · Rides and food · Accessibility · History
Ilkeston Charter Fair 2026 opening times
The fair takes place around the Market Place and surrounding town-centre streets. There is no entry fee. Allow separately for rides, games, food and drink.
| Day | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 21 October | 6pm–11pm |
| Thursday 22 October | 12pm–11pm |
| Friday 23 October | 12pm–11pm |
| Saturday 24 October | 12pm–11pm |
| Sunday 25 October | 1pm–8pm |
When is the quieter Sunday session?
Sunday 25 October, 1pm–3pm. There’ll be reduced noise and lighting on rides and attractions for a calmer, more accessible experience.
The session is designed for children and adults who find the usual fairground lights and sounds overwhelming. The fair stays open until 8pm on Sunday, with the quieter period ending at 3pm.
When is the traditional opening ceremony?
The ceremony takes place outside Ilkeston Town Hall on Thursday 22 October. Crowds are expected to gather from around 10.30am.
The charter is read aloud and, when St Mary’s Church clock reaches 12pm, the Mayor rings the bells. The fair itself starts the previous evening, at 6pm on Wednesday.
When do the car parks close?
The South Street, Pimlico, Queen Street and Gregory Street car parks close for the fair.
| Car park | Closure arrangements |
|---|---|
| Market Place / Pimlico | Limited parking from Thursday 15 October; fully closed from 12pm on Sunday 18 October. |
| South Street | From 8pm on Saturday 17 October. |
| Club Row / Gregory Street | From 9pm on Saturday 17 October. |
| Oakwell Drive, beside the fire station | From 10am on Sunday 18 October. |
| Queen Street | From 6pm on Monday 19 October. |
| East Street | From 7pm on Monday 19 October. |
Which roads close for the fair?
Town-centre road closures run from Tuesday 20 to Monday 26 October 2026. The affected stretches are:
- Bath Street: Wilmot Street to Market Place.
- Market Place: throughout.
- East Street: number 38 to Bath Street/Market Place.
- Market Street: Market Place to the boundary between 2 Market Street and Rutland Mill.
- Wharncliffe Road: Albert Street to Market Place.
- South Street: Market Place to Gladstone Street West.
- St Mary Street: northern boundary of Arena Hope (opposite The Harrow) to Market Place.
- Queen Street, Coronation Street and Club Row: throughout.
- Pimlico: New Lawn Road to Burns Street.
- Burns Street: Pimlico to the end of the Scala building, opposite number 20.
Follow temporary signs and barriers rather than relying solely on satnav.
Temporary traffic and parking-bay changes
From 5am on Tuesday 20 October to 9am on Monday 26 October:
- No northbound traffic on Albert Street between Queen’s Drive and Wharncliffe Road.
- No eastbound traffic on Queen’s Drive between Oakwell Drive and Albert Street.
- Gladstone Street West becomes two-way between Market Street and South Street.
Selected permit-holder-only and limited-waiting bay restrictions are suspended from 12.01am on Monday 19 October to 9am on Monday 26 October on New Lawn Road, Wilmot Street, Fullwood Street, Gregory Street, Jackson Avenue, Queen’s Drive, St Mary Street, Burns Street, Moss Road and Albert Street.
This does not remove every parking restriction on those streets. Check the signs for the particular bay and leave access clear.
Getting to the fair and parking elsewhere
Allow extra time for your journey and decide where you will park before heading towards the closed streets.
Other car parks to consider include the Albion Centre, Lower Bath Street, Northgate Street and Stanton Road. Check entrance signs for access arrangements, opening hours and parking terms.
Travelling by bus? Check your operator’s current diversion notice and return journey before setting off. See trentbarton’s latest travel alerts.
Rides, games and fairground food
Thrill rides, family attractions, traditional games and food stalls bring the fair to the town’s streets. Before joining a ride queue, check the displayed price and any height restrictions. Entry to the fair is free; budget separately for rides, games and refreshments.
Accessibility and family visits
The quieter session is on Sunday from 1pm–3pm. If you need help boarding a particular ride or have questions about its suitability, speak to the operator before paying.
For access requirements that affect your visit, check with Erewash Borough Council in advance. A Blue Badge does not provide access through closed roads.
Why is it called Ilkeston Charter Fair?
The fair traces its origins to 1252, when King Henry III granted a charter providing for a weekly market and an annual fair. Ilkeston was recorded as “Elkesdon”. The 2026 event is being celebrated as the 774th Ilkeston Charter Fair.
Originally associated with trade, the fair developed into the street fair familiar today. The charter reading and bell-ringing ceremony keep that history part of the modern event.
For local families, it is also a chance to revisit familiar rides, food and meeting places, with the town’s streets becoming part of the fairground.
Follow Ilkeston News’ fair coverage
Bookmark this guide for your visit and explore our Ilkeston Charter Fair coverage.
Have a useful update or a photograph? Contact Ilkeston News with the location and date. Please only share photographs you own or have permission to share.