This year’s Bridlington Fair was officially opened by Reece Holland, with the Bridlington Leisure Association chair accorded the historic honour of ringing the bell in recognition of his ongoing work to support the town’s tourism economy.

The ceremony on 22 October was also attended by Mathew Dowse, chair of the Yorkshire Section of the Showmen’s Guild, and Mayor Angela Walker, and was made all the more poignant due to Holland’s recent health issues.

“It’s a real honour to ring this bell,” said Holland. “My family are Showmen, tracing back to 1645, and I know how much this means to the town, and it means a lot to me too.”

“I feel privileged to ring the bell to open Bridlington fair, never before done in history, only the mayor or chairman of the town can do it. And also ringing the bell because I beat cancer, there’s no better feeling. Proud is an understatement, to represent my culture, heritage, and town all in one evening.”

Speaking during the ceremony, Mayor Walker said “thank you to the Showmen’s Guild for inviting us to this wonderful event.”

“It’s a special night for everyone to enjoy themselves, so come spend your money, have some fun, and thank you for coming.”