Local dignitaries and members of the public turnout to support the opening of the prestigious King’s Lynn Mart.
The high regard in which King’s Lynn Mart is held was underlined by the impressive number of dignitaries at the official opening on Valentine’s Day. Those present included councillors, visiting mayors from a wide area, the local MP James Wild and representatives of the Showmen’s Guild.
This was mirrored by a good turnout of members of the public, who witnessed the colourful ceremony which took place on Farrar’s Funfairs’ dodgem track at midday. As is the custom, the parade had made its way through the town centre from the town hall, led by the sword carrier and mace bearers. Thankfully the weather stayed dry for this prestigious occasion.
The Mart is a tradition that dates back 818 years and takes place on the historic Tuesday Market Place, its rightful home. After all, market places were created for fairs and markets long before many became car parks!
Opening speeches
Opening proceedings was the Reverend Canon Adrian Ling, who said he was hoping for good crowds, fun and entertainment. President of the Showmen’s Guild, John Thurston, said it was a pleasure to be at King’s Lynn, and described this as one of the finest opening ceremonies in the country. John also pointed out that a fair like this in a prominent town centre location increased footfall, which is what many towns are crying out for.
After the leader of West Norfolk Council, Terry Parish, had read the Charter, and Jane Steen, the Bishop of Lynn, had blessed the fair, the mayor, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, spoke of the Mart being special to the show people, and thanked them for bringing enjoyment to the town.
She then declared the 2024 King’s Lynn Mart open, and many of the dignitaries joined in the fun on the dodgems, before retiring to the nearby Duke’s Head Hotel for the annual lunch.
Extensive advertising
Among strong representation from the Showmen’s Guild were the Chairman of the Eastern Counties Section, Frankie Harris, the National Sargeant at Arms, Donald Gray, Past Chairman of the Western Section, Tommy Charles, and a number of other Showmen.
Both the steward, Vice Chairman Nipper Appleton and the Sargeant at Arms of the Eastern Counties Section, Robert Edwards, told us that the night time pull-on and the build-up had gone well.
The Section had the event extensively advertised on large colourful billboards around the area, while posters in the shops highlighted the Sunday opening here for the first time, Monday’s reduced prices on all rides and sponsorship of the fair by Close Brothers Asset Finance.
The first few days saw business get off to a slow start, until the reduced prices day when there were queues at the rides quite early. We were told that business was brisk throughout the afternoon and evening.
King’s Lynn Mart attractions
The only change from last year among the major attractions was the introduction of Perrin Print’s StratosFear Booster. William Roberts’ Music tagada occupied the floating position, while Farrar’s Fun Fairs’ dodgems, Farrar Shaw’s Razzamatazz waltzer and William Hebborn’s Ignition dodgems formed a colourful front row.
Lining one walkway were Dean Ayers’ Circus Circus fun house, Perrin Print’s Tornado 2 Freak Out and Charlie Appleton’s Hi Energy Miami, along with John AT Parrish’s impressive Extreme and Theodore Whyatt’s Yeti Jumper, featuring a recent first class theming job.
In the back line were Robert Edwards’ helter skelter, Lawrence Appleton Jnr’s Stardust arcade and Spencer Smart’s Crazy Jungle fun house, while John Birch & Sons lit up the hotel side with their waltzer and Sizzler Twist.
New for the children this time were Shane Whyatt’s large toy track and Stewart Bell’s Route 66 big toys.
Also presenting juvenile rides were:
- Robert Edwards;
- John Green;
- J Barwick;
- Patrick Phillips;
- Thomas Jenkins;
- Asa Cubbins;
- William Percival;
- Donald Print;
- Charlie Appleton;
- Grant Tattam;
- Perrin Print;
- and William Gray.
A good selection of games was presented by:
- Joe and Charles Summers;
- Laurie Crick;
- Craig Turvill;
- William and Spencer Smart;
- Thomas Jenkins;
- William Gray;
- Alfie Phillips;
- Michael Parkin;
- John Green;
- and Sloane Owen.
A variety of food was provided by Leslie Carey; Robert Keeble; Jimmy Gilbey; Florence Barker; Holly Kayes; Michael Parkin; John Stokes; Jason Smith; Jonathan Smart; and William Gray, all of whom contributed to a fine presentation for the first traditional fair of the new season.
During the second Friday of the Mart, the fair opened free of charge to entertain guests with special needs.
