Committee is 'currently planning' to run Cuckoo Fair in 2025

This comes after the fair was cancelled for 2024 for reasons such as updated safety requirements, a lack of staff and the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

READ MORE: Live At The Farm 2024 cancelled deemed land 'no longer suitable'

The Cuckoo Fair is a popular event that occurs in Downton on the May bank holiday weekend each year.

It consists of a traditional maypole, dancing, stalls, marquees, a fairground and food and drink stalls, and welcomes as many as 20,000 visitors per year.

Organisers hope to bring the fair back next year after recruiting "a significant number of new personnel to the Committee".

The committee said in a statement on its website: “We are indebted to these people coming forward to take on specific roles within the Committee and they will help us enormously in our future planning.

“The committee now feel able to go ahead and plan for the next Cuckoo Fair with our new recruits helping us shape plans for 2025.”

Changes are being considered for the 2025 fair such as the possibility of changing the location and date of the fair.

The statement added: “We’ve reviewed some options and our immediate focus is looking at the options to change the location of the Fair, change the date and change the nature of the Fair. We’re looking to share those options and seek feedback over the Summer.”

The organisers also said that they are aware that some local organisations within the village and surrounding areas are planning their own fund-raising activities over what would have been the Cuckoo Fair weekend. They said: "We wish them all the success in their aim of raising much needed funds.

"This is very much in keeping with the aim of the Cuckoo Fair itself, that is to provide an event where local organisations can raise much needed funds. Good luck to you all!"

For more information, including FAQs, visit: cuckoofair.co.uk.

The committee are asking anyone who would like to volunteer to email: produce@cuckoofair.co.uk.