Traditionally this Garstang fair is the start of the Blackpool run of carnival and gala funfairs that take place around the Wyre and Flyde borough’s towns and villages during June and July.
However, for 2022 it was the second fair, due to the earlier than normal Poulton Gala event that had taken place the week before, while over the same Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend there was a funfair as part of the carnival and Jubilee celebrations over at St Annes on Sea.
Presented as always by Stanley John Cubbins, Garstang fair this year took place on grassland at Castle Lane, as the regular Kepple Lane ground was no longer available. Starting on Thursday 2 June, the fair was due to run until Sunday 5, but it was decided to pull down after the day’s business on the Saturday due heavy rainfall causing muddy conditions at the entrance to the fields.
More rain was forecast for the Sunday morning, which would have undoubtedly led to problems trying to leave the fields and causing further damage to the grass.
Opening times for the event were 11am to 9pm Thursday and Friday, and 1pm to 9pm on the Saturday. Information for the fair could be seen on the many large roadside advertising boards that were placed on the major routes in the area, especially the busy main A6 that runs from Preston to Lancaster.
New on the ground for 2022 were Jonathan Walker’s Scorpion Tri Star and ghost train, part of a smaller selection of rides and attractions than normal due to the size of the field. New amongst the juvenile equipment were Ben Morley’s bungee trampolines, out for the first time in his ownership, along with the large impressive toy set from James Seldon, who was visiting this part of Lancashire for the first time.
All the other major attractions were on return visits from last year’s fair and included Stanley John Cubbins’ Sizzler Twist, Jonathan Cubbins’ waltzer and Nathan Jones’ Meteorite Round Up. Laurence Hill’s Super Heroes fun house was the only walk round show on the ground this year.
Supporting juveniles and games in attendance included Gary Walker’s toy set, rings over blocks and hook-a-duck round stalls, plus Warren Cubbins’ Convoy, ring toss, hook-a-duck round stalls and penalty shoot out.
Nathan Jones’ toy train and hook-a-duck round stall were here, along with Laurence Hill and James Seldon’s hook-a-duck round stalls. Completing the line-up were catering kiosks from John Jones, Stanley John Cubbins, Michael Barker and Katie Walker.
When we called in at opening time on the Saturday afternoon we found the rides just getting ready to open, with a few families starting to arrive on the ground. We were told that the two bank holidays (Thursday and Friday) had seen some decent trade, and it was hoped that this would continue into the Saturday.
Main photo: New to this part of Lancashire was James Seldon’s impressive toy set
