A POPULAR annual funfair is making its return to Chester, after it had to miss 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

The Pat Collins Funfair will be back in business and is making Chester its first event when it arrives at the Little Roodee Car Park on May 18.

Funfair operator Pat Collins, based in Walsall, confirmed its first post-lockdown family fun event this year will be in Chester – the birthplace of the company’s founder.

The fair opens at the Little Roodee Car Park from Tuesday, May 18 to Monday, May 31 and will be open from 4pm-10pm on weekdays and 1-10pm at weekends.

Elleray Harris, marketing manager for Pat Collins Funfair, said: “The name Pat Collins has been synonymous with the travelling fairground business for more than a century.

"There can be few other showmen whose names resonate so immediately with the public and we are so pleased to be able to put on our first show this year in Chester - the birthplace of the man himself Pat Collins.

The Pat Collins Funfair is returning to Chester.

The Pat Collins Funfair is returning to Chester.

“You could say it has been a rollercoaster for us as a business but at last we can get back to what we enjoy – welcoming families to our amazing fairground rides and fun – full of buzz, thrills and excitement.

"However, it’s important that we also reassure visitors about our Covid-19 secure measures to keep everyone safe including our staff.”

Families and groups attending the funfair can expect the following Covid-19 safety measures:

  • Wear masks (if over 11 years old)
  • Have their temperature taken. No access if showing a high temperature
  • Rule of six
  • Tokens or wristbands to be used
  • Directional signs to keep people safe
  • Hand sanitiser stations
  • Test and trace on admission

Elleray added: “We all want to get back to some kind of normality as we head out of lockdown and we hope families will come along to the Little Roodee and have an amazing time but also a safe one.

“Like all entertainment businesses, we have had to adapt and diversify over the past year.

"One example is the use of tokens, which we’ve introduced so we don’t handle cash. Visitors can buy our tokens, or a pre-paid wristband through our website https://patcollinsfunfairs.co.uk/

"We are also planning to expand our events with live music and possibly even comedy at shows later this year, so watch this space.”

Visitors to the Little Roodee can expect traditional family thrills and rides from the whizzing waltzers and the daring dodgems to the colourful carousel and speeding sizzler.