A city car park is closing for a historic fair. The Sloe Fair is returning to Chichester on October 21 in Northgate car park, which will shut for three days. Vehicles will not be able to access the car park from 6am on October 19 until 12pm on October 22.
The annual funfair with rides dates back to the 12th century when it was granted by King Henry I’s royal charter. READ MORE: Woman gets parking fine for car park she 'never used' The council has advised that those in possession of an X roving season ticket can still park in the other two council-owned long stay car parks - Basin Road and the Cattle Market. Councillor John Cross, cabinet member for culture, sport and place at Chichester District Council, said: “The Sloe Fair is one of the earliest recorded fairs in Chichester, dating back hundreds of years.
“It was granted by King Henry I to Ralph de Luffa, Bishop of Chichester and is believed to be named after the Sloe tree which grew in fields by Northgate on the original site. “We have already advised season ticket holders of the temporary closure and alternative parking arrangements during this period, and we would like to thank the public in advance for their cooperation while the car park is closed.".