I was born and raised in Newbiggin, and when I turned 18 I moved to Leeds to study at university.

I settled in Leeds but very much looked forward to coming home for the Newbiggin summer fair as it was the guaranteed only time that I would literally see friends and family who would otherwise never be seen again.

I've lived in Leeds for 11 years now and I was sad to discover that the fair was cancelled a few years ago.

Whilst on one hand it was undoubtedly a thorn in some folks' sides having to endure the aftermath – finding endless stall wrappers, empty beer cans, broken glasses and remnants of hot dogs strewn down Front Street and the promenade, it was also a fantastic event for Newbiggin on the whole.

For one day only everyone from far and wide would descend on Newbiggin to see the endless stall holders, fairground rides, beach activities and live entertainment shows that the usually quiet little seaside town of Newbiggin had to offer.

It was a pivotal event for tourist attraction!

Furthermore business was booming – particularly when guests decided to make a bank holiday weekend of it.

I can appreciate the kind of work and effort that would have to go into an operation of this scale, and undoubtedly (and particularly towards the end of the day) there is always the risk of drunken brawls but for one day only Newbiggin was the talk of the town and a fantastic event for all the family was enjoyed by all that came to take part.

I say ... Put Newbiggin back on the map!

Bring back the August Bank Holiday summer fair that was once the highlight of the Newbiggin calendar.

The council has spent a fortune trying to put Newbiggin on the map – but at the cost of placing two absolutely ridiculous figurines in the middle of the sea (a rejected idea by just about every other town and city in England!) – neither of which actually represent the history or culture of Newbiggin. (What happened to a pitman and a fisher wife?!!)
Bring back Newbiggin-by-the-Sea summer fair.

With best wishes (and with fond memories!).

LISA COMMON


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