- The principal object of the Showmen’s Guild has remained the same since its inception as the Van Dweller Association: to protect the interests of its members – Travelling Showmen who gain their livelihoods by attending funfairs. It does this by engagement with national and local government and by enforcing a strict code of rules for its members.
- The Guild is accepted at both national and local levels as the negotiating body for travelling showmen.
- The Guild’s rule book ensures that all members have equal status within the Guild, regardless of the scope of their operations as individual businessmen. The rules, which are enforced by the Guild’s own disciplinary tribunals cover such matters as the orderly running of fairs and the conduct of members both on and off fairgrounds. 2025-2026 Guild Rules click here.
What’s on?

Reflection on D Day, alongside that of Showmen who served in the World Wars, at the National Arboretum
The Showmen’s Guild Remembrance Service at the National Arboretum in Alrewas took place on Sunday 17 November...
A Q&A with the Showmen’s Guild
One of the leading funders of Fairground equipment in the UK & Associate Member of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, Close Brothers Asset Finance, recently interviewed The Showmens Guild, having proudly served the sector for many years, establishing relationships with many of the leading stakeholders. See the full article here on A Q&A with… Continue reading A Q&A with the Showmen’s Guild
Attractions combine to make the 243rd Epsom Derby fair a success
The Betfred Derby Festival, with the betting firm as the appropriate new sponsor, reached its 243rd furlong anniversary running of annual people’s day out at Epsom Downs Racecourse, on Friday May 31 and Saturday June 1.
Pinner Charter Fair returned to positive pre-Covid trading after two boom years in Northwest London
The London and Home Counties Section of the Showmen’s Guild are delighted with the success of the complex arrangements they undertook in advance of the holding of the historic Charter Fair in Pinner, in the London Borough. This is in addition to their recent Bank Holiday fairs in the Capital and beyond. Now administered by… Continue reading Pinner Charter Fair returned to positive pre-Covid trading after two boom years in Northwest London




