- 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. 2026 -2027 Guild Rules click here.
Join us at Excel , London 12-14 January 2027
EAG360 the smile economy
EAG360 is the new umbrella event redefining how the UK’s entertainment, gaming, and social‑experience sectors come together. Three established show brands unite under one forward‑looking identity — creating a single, powerful destination for innovation, product discovery, and industry connection.
Amuse Expo (formerly EAG Expo), CompSocUK (formerly the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo), and the London Gaming Show (formerly London Casino & Gaming Show) now sit side‑by‑side within EAG360, offering visitors and exhibitors a complete view of the evolving leisure landscape.
This integrated format gives attendees the freedom to explore everything from cutting‑edge arcade and attraction technology to the latest competitive socialising concepts, to premium land‑based gaming solutions — all within one seamless experience. Whether you’re launching new products, scouting fresh ideas, or building commercial partnerships, EAG360 brings the industry together in a way that reflects where the market is heading more connected, more immersive, and more opportunity‑driven than ever.
What’s on?
The International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Today, 17 October, is The International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage … which is celebrated annually, a date proclaimed by UNESCO in November 2023. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of “living heritage,” which includes practices, knowledge, skills, and expressions like traditional music, dance, craftsmanship, and festivals. It serves to highlight… Continue reading The International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage
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
