Wakes
All the fun of the fair will be coming to Castle Donington next week for the 746th year.
The historic Castle Donington Wakes Fair, which is operated by Castle Donington Parish Council, will be running from Thursday 24th October to Saturday 26th October.
Hundreds of people attend the attraction which fills the village centre and last year it celebrated its 745th year.
Fiona Palmer, the Clerk to the Parish Council, said: "The fair is always a fantastic spectacle when it comes to Castle Donington village centre.
We are looking forward to welcoming families and residents along to enjoy all of the fun of the fair including many rides as well as food, drink and other attractions.
The fair will be opened at 6pm on Thursday 24 October with the reading of the official fair charter located at the helter-skelter.
The Parish Council work closely with partners at the Police and will have stewards on patrol during the fair to make sure everyone enjoys the event safely.
The opening times for Castle Donington Fair 2024:
- Thursday October 24th 6pm until 10pm
- Friday October 25th 6pm until 10pm
- Saturday October 26th 2pm until 10pm
The first official charter for Castle Donington Wakes Fair was granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Depenser, in 1221 by King Henry III.
You can find out more details about Castle Donington Wakes Fair below.
Parking Places During Temporary No Waiting for The Wakes Fair
Common Questions
Is Castle Donington Wakes Fair going ahead this year?
Yes, we are pleased to say that the annual Castle Donington Wakes Fair will be going ahead this year. It will take place between Thursday 24 October until Saturday October 26, 2024.
The opening times for Castle Donington Fair 2024:
- Thursday October 24: 6pm until 10pm
- Friday October 25: 6pm until 10pm
- Saturday October 26: 2pm until 10pm.
Can I pay by cash and/or card?
We confirm that there could be a mixture of contactless payment and cash. If cash is required there are cash machines at the Post Office and Borough Street Co-op.
Where are the public toilets during the fair?
There are portable public toilets in Clapgun Street carpark which are accessible throughout the Wakes Fair period.
I lost an item while visiting the fair, who do I contact?
If you have lost an item while attending the fair, please contact the the Parish Council on 01332 810432 or speak to a steward.
How much are this year's rides at Castle Donington Wakes Fair?
The prices for the rides at Castle Donington Wakes Fair are managed by the showmen and prices can vary depending on the type of kiosk and stall or the size of the ride.
Where can I park my car when visiting the fair?
For those who need to use a car to visit Castle Donington Wakes Fair, the College carpark is open during the event period. Other carparks during the event area will only have access and egress outside the times of the Castle Donington Wakes Fair.
Additional parking is also available at the Community Hub from Tuesday 22 October through to Sunday 27 October.
Where and when can I get the bus to visit the fair?
Please use the links below to find out information about bus times and locations:
Can I do any filming at the fair?
Tripods for cameras can be a tripping hazard and anyone filming must be responsible for managing the risks created. We reserve the right to move people on if they appear to be putting others at risk e.g. if filming in a congested area. Ideally, two people are required when filming to manage the situation properly. You will also be required to have a copy of your £5m public liability insurance on you for inspection.
Where is Event Control?
The Light Station,
3 Clapgun Street,
Castle Donington
DE74 2LE
Where is the nearest police station?
Northwest Leicestershire District Council
Whitwick Road
Coalville
LE67 3FJ
More details can be found on Leicestershire Police Website.
Pitch availability
Unfortunately, we do not offer new pitches at the fair as they are all currently occupied by Showmen who have been attending for many years and we currently have no space available.