Cambridge Midsummer Fair 2025 – a photo feature by Eszter Halasi

Cambridge Midsummer Fair, held every year in late June on Midsummer Common by the banks of the River Cam, was granted a charter by King John in 1211, and was first held on or near the feast of St Etheldreda.

Originally a trade fair, income from the event went to the Barnwell Priory. In the sixteenth century the council and Mayor of Cambridge acquired the rights for the midsummer fair.

In the 18th century it was named the Pot fair due to the quantity of china traded there, and it became popular among Romany Gypsies and Travellers for the trade in horses that took place.

In more recent times it has become a pleasure fair with funfair amusements and rides and food stalls and is still a popular meet-up place for young – and not so young - Gypsies and Travellers and their friends, both local and from further afield.

Eszter Halasi for the Travellers Times