One of Hereford's most popular annual events returned to the city this week, after three years away due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The May Fair attracted big crowds to the streets for its opening afternoon and evening, as people made the most of the opportunity to enjoy its return.

Hereford Times: Revellers enjoying all the fun of the fairRevellers enjoying all the fun of the fair

The traditional fair takes over the streets in the city centre on the first week of May each year.

High Town, High Street, Commercial Street, St Owen Street, Broad Street, King Street and Bridge Street are all shut off to regular traffic for the duration of the fair.

Hereford Times: A piper leads the ceremonial procession to open the MayfairA piper leads the ceremonial procession to open the Mayfair

As is tradition, a ceremonial proclamation of the historic St Ethelbert's May Fair officially opened the fair, with the offering of 12-and-a-half bushels of wheat by the Mayor to the Lord Bishop as payment for allowing the fair to proceed.

This was the first fair possible due to cancellations in 2020 and 2021 and the first since the 900th anniversary of St Ethelbert's Fair in 2021.

Hereford Times: Florence Rivron, aged four, has a go at knocking the skittles over Florence Rivron, aged four, has a go at knocking the skittles over

There was a joyful atmosphere, with people packing the city centre streets to make up for lost time.

Families flocked to the event, some of them with children who were experiencing the fun of the fair for the very first time.

Hereford Times: Sarah Turner with her two-year-old daughter Lyra.Sarah Turner with her two-year-old daughter Lyra.

Sarah Turner, who was at the fair with her daughter Lyra, two, for its opening at 4pm, said: "Lyra is so excited at experiencing her first fair and being out and about in a crowd for the first time really after a couple of years of it being just us and the family.

Chantel Compton, who was taking sons Theo, four, and Zach, three, for their first experience said: "It's just so great to be able to do something normal again after the restrictions.

Hereford Times: Chantel Compton with her son Theo, aged fourChantel Compton with her son Theo, aged four

"Everyone has a smile on their face and is having a great time.

"The boys are loving it. Although I have realised I haven't got the stomach for the Waltzers anymore."

Hereford Times: Freddie Payne, aged three, loving his go piloting an Avengers plane.Freddie Payne, aged three, loving his go piloting an Avengers plane.

Tracey Silver, who was at the fair with her grandson Harvey, four, said: "It's so great to see everyone again.

"It feels so long since everyone has been able to enjoy themselves in this way and they're making the most of it.

"Harvey has been on the trampoline and been in the Fun House. He is absolutely loving it."

Darkness fell and the spirit of the fair kept going with the streets lit up with the glow of the rides.

Hereford Times: The Superbowl ride in High TownThe Superbowl ride in High Town

Rides like the Superbowl, Speed, and Miami Heat took on an extra dimension in the dark and joyful screams could be heard right the way across the city as revellers made the most of the return of the fair.

Hereford Times: Revellers enjoying the fun of the fair as darkness fallsRevellers enjoying the fun of the fair as darkness falls

A spokesperson for Hereford City Council said: "This year is particularly momentous as the fair was unable to take place during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.

"Having endured these hardships, it is a cause for celebration to see the fayre back in the city.

"We hope you all enjoy this, one of Hereford's most exciting events."