Wells May Charter Fair will open in the Market Place on Saturday, 2 May, with a double celebration at this year's civic ceremony.

Town Crier Len Sweales will lead the civic party at 11 am for the official opening. The day will mark one of his last official duties and 25 years since he first proclaimed the fair open.

A second 25-year milestone will also be marked. Wells City Council said it is 25 years since the fairs began being operated by Showmen's Guild members James Rogers and Sons, now under Shaun Rogers.

The council and the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain said they are proud of Len's service, both in his civic role and in helping promote Wells' twice-yearly fairs and twice-weekly charter markets.

The statement also shines a light on the fair's family links. Shaun Rogers is the great-great-grandson of Charles Heal, whose business was established in 1881 and started in Glastonbury. The family operated most of the Wells fairs up to 2001.

Tribute was also paid to Wellensian Richard Green, now an honorary member of the Showman's Guild, who the statement said still keeps a close eye on the wellbeing of the fairs despite retiring.

The civic opening is open to the public in the Market Place. A private dinner at Wells Town Hall will follow.

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