The Market Place and surrounding shopping thoroughfares, including much of Bath Street and South Street, will be closed to vehicles. The town centre's main car parks will also be shut to host rides and stalls for the five-day event, which officially kicks off at 6pm on Wednesday 21 October.
The official opening ceremony takes place on Thursday 22 October at 10:30am in front of the town hall. The Ashby Little Big Band will perform vintage swing and ballroom music, while "bubble stilt walkers" entertain youngsters. An ancient charter, granted by King Henry III in 1252, will be read out at noon, followed by the Mayor of Erewash ringing bells to signal the start of the revels. The Mayor, Cllr Greg Maskalick, will then join guests on the big wheel and dodgems.
The fair, which has no entry fee, has been extended to five days this year. Sunday 25 October will feature a designated "quiet time" from 1pm to 8pm, with no lights or music, to make the event more inclusive for children and adults sensitive to sights and sounds.
Separately, Derbyshire County Council is undertaking a £10 million project in Long Eaton. From Monday 19 October, Tamworth Road's junction with Beaconsfield Street will be closed for four weeks. Beaconsfield car park will remain open, with traffic diverted via Salisbury Street and Clay Street.
