Uncle Bob has connections, family connections, who in turn have connections if you know what I mean? Those people may take offence to uncle Bobs profits becoming public knowledge. The tax man is only a phone call away capiche? Omerta. The golden rule.
In the summer all the 'showmen' are at decent summer fairs. Hull is the last fair of the season, the last chance to get rid of all the end of season tat and make a few bob for the winter. Hull has always followed the Nottingham Goose Fair and the bigger attractions didn't arrive in Hull until the Sunday, after the Goose Fair had finished. Personally I thought it was a much bigger and better attraction in the 60's when it attracted some really big crowds, probably because there was **** all else to do. As for it making the council 'millions' I doubt it very much. I was told once by someone on the council that it actually costs the council money. It does takes millions of pounds out of the city and the suggestion that the showmen spend in the city is bollocks. They have their own suppliers and 'swag men' who follow the Fairs about. Take aways, buses, sandwich shops and near by supermarkets might take a few bob but all 'lose' it the following week because everyone is skint. The modern day income seems to come from private car parking and traffic wardens who works shifts to get as many tickets as possible. I would also question the 'half a million visitors' It would be interesting to know how many hotel rooms are booked in the city during Fair week, how busy the trains are and how many extra people visit other attractions in the town. I know from personal experience that virtually every other leisure based industry in Hull takes a hit during Fair week. Even back in the 60's when the Beatles first played Hull (The Majestic on Holderness Road) Only about two dozen people saw them 'because it was fair week' I would say that a large majority of this mythical half a million visitors are gangs of 14 year olds visiting every night. IMO its time it was moved to a more practical site.
As a family we always went on a Friday night,when in Hull I always went and then in London I always came down.Last time was in 1997.I still see it a unique Hull thing.
To be honest, I doubt uncle Bob even remembers me, I don't think I've seen him for over 40 years. He used to give me beer when I was a young boy, when I visited my aunt Rose at Christmas(I think she was Bob's mum, but I'm not certain), all I remember is that she smelled of wee and my dad got pissed off very tme he gave me a beer.
A little unfair on the Beatles as the Majestic gig was in 1962 when they were still relatively unknown. Wind forward to 'fair week' in 1964 when they played the ABC Cinema in Ferensway. Completely sold out and hundreds of screaming females around the whole area. I came from working in London to see them.
Live away but went last year for first time in about 20 years. Something from my childhood that I'm pleased is still there but probably won't go back for a long time. Plus, hardly any toffee apples last year or popcorn, all designer fudge and sweets now on Walton St.
