Lynn Mart weaves its magic
LYNN town centre is again pulsating with screams, laughter and music following the traditional Valentine's Day grand opening of its historic mart.
Generations of West Norfolk families, including schoolchildren on their half-term holiday, gathered to enjoy the opening ceremony yesterday and were not put off by the chilly Mart weather.
West Norfolk Mayor Kathy Mellish, along with visiting mayors, dignitaries and showmen from across the country, led a procession from the town hall to the Tuesday Market Place, where the expectant crowds were ready and waiting for the fun to begin.
Prayers for a successful mart were said before borough council chief executive Ray Harding read the ancient proclamation. Lynn Mart launches the showmen's new season.
Mrs Mellish told the 300-strong crowd the Mart and the showmen's guild shared a wonderful history, especially since Lynn fairground ride inventor Frederick Savage, a former mayor, had been one of its founders.
She said she was looking forward to riding the dodgems because she had "always wanted to drive with wild abandon," but there was no chance she would be braving the white-knuckle rides.
Mr Jimmy Williams, president of the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, wished the showmen good business and the people of Lynn a safe and enjoyable fair.
"There are doubting Thomases who say the fairs and marts should be moved out of the towns and cities, but I say what rubbish," he added.
The ceremony ended with a rousing rendition of God Save The Queen, before Mrs Mellish and her distinguished guests were invited around the fairground to try out some of the rides and attractions, starting with a spin on the dodgems.
After winning a stuffed tiger on the shooting range, North West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham said: "I would not miss The Mart for anything – it's a great civic event.
"I know some of the retailers and banks find it quite trying because of the disruption on the Tuesday Market Place and town centre, but a majority of people treasure the mart. It's a really valuable tradition."
The star attraction this year is the 130ft- high Booster, which is making its first visit to Lynn after pleasing thrill-seekers from London to Newcastle in the past three years.
Owner Andrew Burton said the revolving ride was capable of speeds up to 60 miles per hour and the 4 cost reflected the fact that only eight people could enjoy the ride at a time.
"For a great view of Lynn, it's the next best thing to a helicopter," he added.
The Mart has a long and distinguished history in the town which goes back more than 800 years, having been granted a charter from King John.
It is the first fair on the showmen's calendar and tradition has it that a successful Lynn Mart bodes well for the rest of the year. Lynn Mart will run until Tuesday, February 26, and today is children's day.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
