Thousands of visitors are heading to the Walton Street car park in Hull as the city’s historic travelling fair returns for its 732nd edition. Bringing hundreds of rides, family attractions, and food stalls to Yorkshire, the event officially opened at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026. Lord Mayor Councillor Maria Coward rang the traditional fair bell to kick off the festivities, which run through Saturday, October 17, excluding Sunday, October 11.
Spanning approximately 16 acres, the fair features more than 250 rides and attractions, with official counts highlighting over 300 total experiences. Visitors can enjoy traditional roller coasters, dodgems, fairground games, bingo, and more than 80 children’s rides designed for families across the region.
New Rides and Food Offerings for 2026
Thrill-seekers attending the 2026 event can experience several brand-new attractions making their debut at the Walton Street grounds. Highlights include:
- Elevate 85: Widely reported in advance coverage as the world’s tallest mobile ride.
- Sartori Techno Jump: A dynamic new jump ride bringing fresh energy to the fairgrounds.
- Dexter Hackett’s Joker: A spinning ride designed to put visitors through a dizzying series of loops.
Food vendors are also expanding their menus this year. Attendees can sample toasted sandwiches, Chinese barbecued street food, milkshakes, loaded fries, and classic old-school desserts such as crumbles and chocolate slices alongside traditional fairground snacks like candy floss and burgers.
Opening Times and Daily Schedules
For those planning a visit to the 16-acre site at Walton Street (HU3 6JU), the daily operational hours for the 2026 season are structured as follows:
- Friday, October 9: 16:00 to 23:00 BST
- Saturday, October 10: 12:00 to 23:00 BST
- Sunday, October 11: Closed
- Monday, October 12 to Friday, October 16: 14:00 to 23:00 BST
- Saturday, October 17: 12:00 to 23:00 BST
Road Closures, Parking, and Travel Advice
With massive crowds expected over the week-long run, local authorities have implemented strict traffic management plans, road closures, and parking restrictions. Several key routes around the fairground are affected from October 6 through October 18, operating generally between 06:00 and 15:00:
- Lowther Street closed at the junction just before Sleights Close.
- Walliker Street closed from the Anlaby Road junction.
- “Little” Anlaby Road restricted between Perry Street and the West Park access gates under the flyover.
Even though the fair is closed on Sunday, October 11, Walton Street will remain fully closed to traffic due to a concurrent Premier League fixture at the nearby MKM Stadium, where Hull City plays Everton. Visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize public transport, including dedicated park and ride services running from Priory Park and Humber Bridge car parks until 23:00 daily, alongside additional local bus services.
Limited official parking is available at the MKM Stadium car park for £6 per vehicle. Cyclists can utilize secure, well-lit bicycle parking stationed at the Tigers Trust Arena near the fair security office.
Safety, Security, and Drone Restrictions
Humberside Police and Hull City Council are working closely with the Showmen’s Guild to maintain a secure environment for families and workers. Chief Inspector Derek Hussain emphasized that a highly visible police presence will monitor the grounds daily to deter antisocial behavior.
Additionally, a strict temporary airspace restriction is in place over the fair site and surrounding neighborhoods. Unauthorised drone operations are prohibited, with specialized equipment deployed to intercept and ground any rogue devices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hull Fair
How old is Hull Fair?
Hull Fair is centuries old, tracing its official charter roots back to 1299 under King Edward I, making its 2026 outing its 732nd historic edition.
Where is Hull Fair located?
The fair is held annually on the 16-acre Walton Street car park site located next to the MKM Stadium in Kingston upon Hull (Postcode: HU3 6JU).
Is Hull Fair open every day?
No, the fair operates daily from October 9 through October 17, except for Sunday, October 11, when it is closed.
What are the admission fees for Hull Fair?
Entry to the fairgrounds itself is free, though individual rides, games, and food stalls charge their own separate ticket prices.
Where can I park when visiting Hull Fair?
Official parking is available at the MKM Stadium car park for £6. Alternatively, visitors can use the Priory Park or Humber Bridge Park and Ride bus services.
