Category: Interviews

Shipping and logistics specialist Tony Kennedy has helped British Showmen transport all the fun of the fair all over the world. The co-founder of UCargo shares his story with World’s Fair readers.Whilst UCargo now deals with clients in several different industries, from the military to music festivals, …

Bioscope shows were an important part of the fairground in the 1890s and early 1900s. Though long gone, fairground models – like this one from artist Barrie Ratcliffe – remind us of these popular shows.After Randall Williams presented the first Bioscope show at King’s Lynn …

World’s Fair speaks to Kennedy Bates of Billy Bates & Sons’ Funfair about social media, happy staff and the advantages of doing business almost exclusively in one city.As we speak to Kennedy Bates over Zoom, he is sat in Billy Bates & Sons’ office at the …

The head of Stevens Fun Fairs, Charmaine Stevens-Traylen, tells World’s Fair about a life in showbusiness, including some surprising encounters along the way.Christened in her grandfather Billy Smart’s Big Top, you could say Charmaine Stevens-Traylen has been immersed in the entertainment industry from an early age.As …

Over the last 14 years, brothers Billy and Elliot Ball have turned Clacton Pier into a hugely popular year-round attraction. We caught up with Billy recently to find out more.The iconic pier in the Essex seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea first opened in July 1871, and …

Michelle Matthews was pleased to spend time again in The Potteries over the festive season at Winter Wonderland Stoke-on-Trent. However, there’s little time for sentimentality these days in a business she says is “not for the faint hearted”.As you read this, Michelle Matthews and her …

As Winter Wonderland season gets into full gear for another year, World’s Fair speaks to Norman Sayers, the Welsh Showman who’s been a pioneer of the concept on British shores.Norman Sayers has been operating amusements – more than just funfairs – in Cardiff for over …

Having moved from fairgrounds to films and TV, Luke Smith has recently made his debut in the BBC’s EastEnders but continues to fly the flag for Showmen.Son of ex-London & Home Counties Section Guild member, Billy Smith, 42-year-old Luke Smith grew up in Bethnal Green in …

Lancashire Showman and former national Showmen’s Guild president David Wallis reflects on his long career – and why his Ice Maze works so well.“I don’t go chasing places now just for the money,” says David as we catch up during a week off the road …