A TRADITIONAL fair thought to be under threat after being cancelled last year will go ahead in 2018 bigger and better than ever, organisers said.

The Bedale Scout and Guide fair had been held in the town for decades, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the groups. After cancellation in 2017, organisers said a lack of support threatened the future of the event.

New helpers have stepped in and the fair is going ahead on Fathers' Day, Sunday, June 17, with a procession through the town and entertainment in Bedale Hall Park. For the first time in more than ten years floats are being used after organisers overcame highway concerns.

Councillor Amanda Coates, one of the organisers, said: "We were determined the fair would not end and the response has been amazing. Many people have come forward, along with business group Brand Bedale.

“The procession is setting off from Benkhill Drive at 11am and will come through the centre of town. At the moment we have floats from the Scouts and Bedale High School. At the park there are loads of events, the RAF will be marking their 100th anniversary with a display, local sports clubs are involved and there’s live music, a fair, vintage cars, food including a hog roast and a dog show.

“It really will be bigger and better. The organisers came to the town council and said there was no one to take it on, so a group of us decided it could not be allowed to end. This fair has been such an important event in Bedale for over 30 years.

“It’s a big fund raiser for the Scouts and Guides and also an important recruiting place for them. Generations of children in the town have benefited from being part of these organisations. They’ve offered so many opportunities to so many young people.

“That is why it’s so important that the fair continues. We’re asking everyone to support it,” she added.

To help contact Cllr Coates on 07768047001.