Residents of Thame took to social media over the weekend to vent their frustrations over the news that Thame Fair had been cancelled.
On Friday evening Thame Town Council released the below statement, announcing that the they had not been able to agree on a deal with The Showmens Guild of Great Britain and the fair would be cancelled.
"The Showmens Guild of Great Britain have informed the Town Council on Friday 8 September that the invitation to enter into a new four year Agreement has been rejected by their members. Thame Town Council is disappointed to inform residents, businesses and visitors that the September Fair will therefore not be taking place this year.
Over the past two years fees have not been increased by the Town Council, however with the operational costs rising to assist with event safety the modest increase of less than £1,000 is fully justified in meeting the operational costs incurred by the Town Council and equates to an increase per stall holder of just £4 per day of the fair.
Associated road closures for the September Fair will be lifted within the town centre between Thursday 21 and Saturday 23 September 2017."
One Thame resident said: "Whatttt! This is ridiculous. Who has made this crazy decision. It's Thame's heritage for goodness sake." Whilst another added "Thame losing all of its traditions. Very sad. Not many traditions left for Thame now."
One resident was so disappointed with the news, that she created a go fund me page to try and raise the reported £1000.00 that Thame Town Council needed to assist in the ever rising operational costs that the fair would cost. At the time of writing she has raised £275.00.
It remains to be seen if Thame Town Council will comment further, but for now it seems that Thame fair will be cancelled for this year at least.
