THREE years after the last horse fair took place in Derry, the event returns today (Saturday) at the new location of Ballyarnett Country Park.

Since the 17th Century, the fair has been held in various locations in or close to the Bogside, however times have changed and with the development on the previous site at the Brandywell Showgrounds, the horse fair will now move to Ballyarnett Country Park in the city, thanks to an agreement with Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The organisers of the fair are extremely grateful to all involved within the Council who assisted and with the overwhelming support by all the councillors, who voted unanimously to support the fair.

The new location at Ballyarnett Country Park is an excellent spot, constructed especially with horses in mind, located on the edge of the old Racecourse Road and close to the Donegal border.

Derry City has had no agricultural show since 1971 as a result of The Troubles. The organisers hope to change that and discussed with Council the prospect of continuing the fair at this site and developing it further into an all-encompassing agricultural show.

“We believe it is extremely important for young people and the wider community, particularly those unfamiliar with farming, to partake in agricultural shows.

“The strength of the June Fair has always been that it draws people from all sections of the community and long may that tradition continue. Again, as organisers we would like to extend our thanks to all who have helped this year,” said a spokesperson for Derry Fair.