Following a three-year absence, 2023 saw the successful return of the Richmond May Fair with thousands attending on the day.

This year, with more than 200 stallholders already signed up, the 2024 Fair promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The Fair takes place on Saturday 11th May, 10am to 5pm, on Richmond Green and will be opened by the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames.

Attracting visitors from across the borough of Richmond and beyond, it is a much-loved fixture in the borough calendar and the town's biggest community event.

Old favourites like the vintage funfair and dog show return, along with a host of stalls, the craft marquee and a variety of food and drink.

Local bands, schools and various performance groups will provide free entertainment throughout the day on the Riverside Radio stage.

With charities, artisans, businesses and schools all represented, the Fair is a showcase for all that Richmond has to offer and plays an important role in helping local charities promote their work and raise much-needed funds.

For the first time, stallholders are able to apply, book and pay for their stall online via the new Fair website, www.richmondmayfair.co.uk.

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Applications are significantly up on last year, a testament to the success and popularity of the Fair.

The closing date for applications is the end of March.

The borough of Richmond was recently named Britain's "happiest place to live" by property website Rightmove, highlighting the sense of community Richmond residents share. The Richmond May Fair embodies this community spirit.

Pamela Fleming, Chair of the Richmond May Fair Committee, said: "Following on from the great success of last year's Fair, the Committee wants to make 2024 even better.

"Our new website has allowed us to build visibility of the Fair and has automated the application process for stallholders.

"Volunteers can also register their interest on the website and local dog owners can enter the ever-popular dog show, judged again this year by Ian Stroud of Pet People.

"We also have a new, eye-catching logo that captures all the fun of the Fair; you'll be seeing this advertised on posters very soon."

She added: "The Fair is part of Richmond's rich heritage and fosters a real sense of community. Our aim is to make sure there is something for everyone and to suit every pocket and taste.

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"And while we want our charity and small business stallholders to have a hugely successful day, we also want people to know that they can come along to the Fair to enjoy the free entertainment and soak up the community atmosphere."

The Fair's main sponsor is Be Richmond.

A spokesperson for Be Richmond said: "Be Richmond is delighted to be a main sponsor of this fantastic annual community event. As Richmond's Business Improvement District (BID), we are continuously striving to drive footfall to our vibrant high street and its wealth of local businesses and events like the May Fair strongly contribute to this.

"The May Fair also brings together Richmond's community and raises much needed funds for charity; we are very proud to be involved."