THE FUN of the fair is returning to Redditch following a seven year absence and bitter feud with the Borough Council.
Wilson’s Fun Fair, which has been held in Redditch since the 1920s, will make its return to Church Green East, Market Place and Alcester Street on September 17, setting up camp until Saturday (September 19).
The historic attraction has been absent from the town in recent years due to a disagreement between Tommy Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Funfair, and the borough council.
Centering around a legal covenant from the early 1960s, the row is over a promise made to the then Wilson Brothers’ that the funfair would be granted access to the town every September.
Last year, after failing to get permission for the previous seven, Mr Wilson, the proprietor of Wilsons Amusements told council chiefs he would be moving onto the land with the fair regardless.
But when he arrived he was greeted with council vehicles blocking every entrance to the pedestrian area.
The dispute is now one step closer to being settled following discussions between Kerwoods Solicitors and the council.
Julie Fisher, litigation lawyer, said: “The dispute is not settled – negotiations continue and I would hesitate to predict what the outcome might be in terms of obtaining a permanent settlement.”
But Mr Wilson said he is pleased this year’s event has been given the green light.
“My family have been holding fairs in this town since the 1920s and to be able to do that again is fantastic – it gives great enjoyment to many and offers employment to a significant number of people,” he said.
The attraction will coincede with the community bandstand event in a celebration of Redditch’s diverse culture and will run from 1pm to 10pm Thursday and Friday and 11am and 10pm on Saturday.
