The much-loved tradition of the Burton Statutes will continue this year, despite this popular event having been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A small children’s fair ride will be present in the Market Place, Burton on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th October with full COVID-safe measures in place. The ride will be opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of East Staffordshire at 2pm on Monday. The ride will be open from 2pm until 5pm on both these days, with all proceeds being donated to the Mayor’s Charity.
The Statutes Fair has been running in some shape or form for many centuries. East Staffordshire Borough Council and Pat Collins Funfair had mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of everyone in Burton upon Trent and the wider Borough for the event not to go ahead in its usual form. However, those involved have been working together so that there will be this small, symbolic presence within the town to preserve the continuity of the Statutes.
Councillor Ed Barker, East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Deputy Leader for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “While it is a shame that the full event cannot go ahead, the health of the general public has to come first. However the Statutes Fair is fantastic for Burton, and it is great to see this long standing tradition being safely preserved through this gesture. We look forward to welcoming the full Statues Fair back to Burton next year.”
Anthony Harris of Pat Collins Funfair added: “Cancelling this year’s event was a really difficult decision but it is the right one for the community. The well-being of the people of Burton and surrounding areas is paramount at this time. The Statutes is more than just a fair, it’s a tradition, and it was really important that we keep that tradition going. We, as is everyone else, are looking forward to Burton Statutes 2021”.