Celebrating World Funfair Month and the King's Lynn Mart in Schools

King's Lynn Mart is important as it marks the traditional start to the travelling season for Showman families, many of whom have been attending this fair for generations.    

World Fun Fair Month aims to unite Showmen from around the world to celebrate all aspects of the fairgrounds, and the joy they bring to communities everywhere, providing great entertainment and creating lasting memories.  We have Showmen children and young people attending our schools and settings in Norfolk and would like to take this opportunity to celebrate their unique culture.  

Resources available - signposting  

• Find out more about these events and celebrate with a range of culturally reflective activities in our Showman and Circus Resources Padlet which has been developed to enable schools and settings to embed Showman history, art and culture into their curriculums.  
• Watch the I am a Showman Video with your children and young people.  
• The BBC filmed a documentary following the life of Norfolk Showman Nipper Appleton, 5th generation Showman of the biggest Showmen family in the East of England. To watch a short extract from the documentary please click on the following link: 'I will be a showman as long as humanly possible' - BBC News.  
• Please contact us if you would like to borrow one of our Showman and Circus History and Cultural loan boxes.  

How to use - ideas, e.g. assemblies etc.  

• Explore Showman culture - if you have Showman children or young people on roll at your school, ask them if they'd like to do a show-and-tell about their family. Do they have a Showmen's Yard? What rides and stalls do they have? How do the children themselves get involved in setting up and running the fair? Where do they take their fair each year?   
• Share the wordless picture book 'The Midnight Fair' with your class.  Discuss what the children see happening in the pictures, what games, stalls and rides they can identify.  
• Watch Maisy's Funfair: A Maisy Pop-up-and-Play Book on YouTube.  

Where to find out more   

Future4 Fairgrounds represents the travelling showman community across the UK and celebrates all aspects of the fairground tradition. Visit their website for more information and to learn more about celebrating and raising awareness of showman history and culture.  

Who to contact if you need advice

If you would like further advice, guidance and signposting, please contact the families and professionals phoneline on 0333 313 7165. The phone line is open on weekdays, term time, from 9am to 5pm.