Earlier today we asked Gloucestershire County Council for a statement about Stow Fair. They directed us to a statement saying that it had been cancelled, but in fact this was an old statement, from May's fair. October's fair has not been cancelled. Apologies for any confusion this may have caused.

Here is our current article about the situation:

Councillors are calling for Stow Fair to be cancelled due to rising cases of Covid-19

Twice a year, the travellers’ horse fair takes place in Stow on the Wold, bringing with it hundreds of visitors from across the UK.

The next such event is scheduled to take place on 22 October, yet with cases of Covid-19 rising across the UK, local Lib Dem councillors are calling for the event to be cancelled. 

District Councillor for Stow, Maugersbury & the Swells, Dilys Neill said: “Despite seeking assurances from Gloucestershire County Council and local police, we are still awaiting a decision as to whether or not organisers have been told to halt preparations or visitors warned to cancel travel plans.

“Stow Fair is an important part of the tradition and culture of the travelling community, however, with cases of Covid-19 on the rise, an event bringing hundreds of people together from across the UK should in my opinion, not go ahead. 

“Despite this being on the horizon for many months, the County Council and other agencies have failed to consult with the local community. Residents are angered by the lack of information and worried about the potential health risks, while local businesses, many of whom close during the Fair, have been left without any notice on how to proceed.

"The Fair is now only ten days away, and it is now a matter of urgency for the Conservative Administration at the County Council to make a decision, otherwise there will be an influx of travellers from around the country starting within the next few days.  I hope that the Fair will be cancelled as it was in May, when the guidelines on Covid security were clearer. The travelling community as well as local residents need an answer as soon as possible.

Paul Hodgkinson, County Councillor for neighbouring Bourton on the Water and Northleach, added: “Hundreds of visitors to Stow Fair stay in the villages and towns neighbouring Stow-on-the-Wold – the majority bringing only economic benefits to our local communities.

“However, this time we are in the middle of a pandemic with all mass-events being cancelled. Residents in Bourton feel there is a health risk associated with this and I agree with them.

“This event has not been sprung on local agencies, and I’m staggered this has not been cancelled sooner.  This event should not be allowed to take place, and the County Council must ensure that is communicated immediately.”

A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire County Council said: "Gloucestershire County Council are working closely with Enviromental Health Teams & Gloucestershire Constabulary & Licensing and event organisers and Octobers Fair is currently under review."