Each year, Ripley comes alive with the sights and sounds of one of the town’s most loved traditions, the Ripley Charter Fair. The air fills with laughter, lights shimmer across the market place, and families gather to enjoy rides, music, and food that bring back memories for generations.
For those of us at Avanti Homecare’s Ripley branch, the excitement begins long before the first ride opens. Our office sits right beside the market place, giving us front-row seats to the preparations. All week we watch the rides arrive, the lights being tested, and the fair slowly take shape.
A Celebration with Centuries of History
The Ripley Charter Fair is an annual event that has been held in Ripley, Derbyshire, since 1251. It was established by a royal charter from King Henry III, which granted the town the right to hold a weekly market and two annual fairs. Over the centuries, this tradition has continued, bringing people together to trade, celebrate, and enjoy time with family and friends.
Today, it remains one of Derbyshire’s oldest fairs, filling Ripley with colour and music every October. The mix of modern rides and historic charm makes it something truly special. It is not just an event but a living reminder of how long community life has been at the heart of this town.
A Celebration of Community
Events like Ripley Fair remind us that community is more than a place. It is a feeling that lives in shared smiles, familiar faces, and the rhythm of local life. The fair is part of Ripley’s story and, for many of our clients, part of their own. Some remember attending as children, others recall taking their own families or working nearby during the festivities. The fair becomes a bridge between past and present, a link that keeps people connected to who they are and where they come from.
Conversations about those memories often bring joy and laughter into our visits. They open the door to storytelling and remind everyone that even when the years move on, the sense of belonging remains.
Why Local Life Matters in Care
At Avanti Homecare, we believe that being part of local life is a vital part of good care. Homecare is not just about helping with daily routines, it is about supporting people to stay connected to the community around them.
When carers chat about what is happening in town, share photos from the fair, or bring home a small treat from the market, it helps clients feel part of something bigger. For those able to visit safely, a short trip to see the fair or simply watching from a bench nearby can make a day feel special.
Even when attending in person is not possible, the sights and sounds of Ripley Fair live on through conversation. Talking about the music, the food, or how the rides have changed brings back memories that keep spirits high and minds active.
A Thank You to Ripley
As the rides are packed away and the market place quietens, the spirit of the fair remains. These events may last only a few days, but their impact lingers in conversation and memory. They remind us that even in busy lives, a community still has the power to bring people together.
At Avanti Homecare, we are proud to be part of that story. From our office by the market square, we see every day how Ripley looks out for one another. Whether through care, conversation, or simple acts of kindness, this town shows what true community spirit looks like.
To everyone who helped make Ripley Fair another success, thank you for filling the streets with laughter, light, and connection. You remind us all that homecare and community go hand in hand, both built on the same foundation of care, respect, and togetherness.
A huge thank you from all the team at
