The fun of the fair came to a beauty spot in Petersfield last weekend to continue one of the town’s oldest traditions.

The Taro Fair may not be crowd-puller it used to be in years gone by, but the annual event on the Heath is still much loved with locals and visitors, alike.

It’s also part of the town’s history and heritage, as the charter fair began more than 200 years ago in 1820.

And while the emphasis has moved from livestock to fun over the decades, it still offers quite a ride with John Searle Funfairs Ltd bringing all the dodgems, carousels, traditional games and attractions we know and love.

Although rain and windy conditions threatened to make the show a washout over the weekend, Sunday brought sunshine – and with it plenty of families and visitors.

“We love coming to the Heath as we see so many friends and regulars,” said Marisa Searle, whose company meets all the usual costs of putting on the fair.

Marisa was pragmatic about the conditions, saying it’s “not easy” but they have to work with them. The same amount of work goes in regardless of the weather and however well-attended the fairs are.

The three-day event is held on the closest weekend to the traditional October 6 fair, which was arguably the town’s biggest annual attraction during its heyday.

The Taro Fair was originally a cattle and sheep fair named after ‘Tarw’, the Welsh name for bull. But sales declined around the 50s with the event evolving into a funfair with John Searle Funfairs considering Petersfield their hometown.

If you fancy trying out any of their rides then head to Alresford next Thursday (October 16) as John Searle Funfairs will be setting up in the mid-Hampshire town for their traditional October street fair.