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.
The celebrations were boosted in status, celebrating the King’s first full year on the throne. This was in contrast with last year, when there was a train strike, that closed all three stations adjacent to the course, significantly lowering the attendance. This year numbers were up again, but lower than in the event’s heyday of a week-long celebration.
The weather for the two day Festival was mixed on the Friday for Ladies Day; but fine and dry on Saturday for Derby Day itself.
Once again, post Covid, there were fewer attractions, with the concentration on adult rides, bearing in mind that the significant fenced off Derby Family Festival area, with its paid-for entrance, now accommodates most of the available children. Additionally, this area was now placed in line with the fair, separated by a recorded music stage.
There appeared fewer racegoers too on the Hill, although the Queens and Duchess grandstands appeared to be full. Overall, the number of visitors matched the available attractions well that satisfied all concerned.
This year the Appleby Horse Fair followed the Derby Races weekend again, meaning that several of the Travelling Community attended The Derby and spent time at the fair and at the Market, that had moved to the other side of the fair, on The Hill.
The festivities got off to a steady start on Friday June 2 being Ladies Day as well as The Betfred Oaks, for the combined fairs of Hammonds & Roses Pleasure Parks with their adult rides, shows and attractions. The twin fairs made best use of the level area that the twin lessees usually occupy; with (in his first season with the attraction) Jordan Mitchell’s Power Shot Reverse Bungee higher on the Hill, just below the re-located market and with Bridget Burton’s Booster was further below on the edge of the Dip itself. There were two new-style Super Troopers on offer, bookending the fair; with one self-made from and presented by Perin Mott himself and the other identical ride presented by Peron Coupland. They were both busy and often. by chance, looked to be working in synchrony.
Other attractions included William Thurston Jnr’s large Maxwell Waltzer, as a surprise attraction; William Robinson’s Crazy Pyramids funhouse & bungee trampolines; Albert Smith’s traditional Supercar Dodgems; Joel Bunn’s Extreme Tageda, that showed off the still fresh looking backflash by Billy-Bernard Hill compared with his artwork, on his father in law, Andrew Robinson’s Pyramid-style Fun House, here on a fourth visit. The Tageda came directly from Pinner Charter streetfair once again on the Wednesday; as did Bridget Burton’s Booster.
Also here was John Wall’s Air Swing Star Flyer and Keely Wall’s Superstar ride; alongside Benny Irvin’s fold up dodgems, with his cups & saucers nearby and Billy Irvin’s Twister, a UK model imported back from Sweden; alongside his climbing wall. Robert Bartlet brought his striking-looking, new, self-re-built funhouse and there was John McKay’s hoopla, games and Candy Kiosk that was on the Hill. Also there were inflatables and bungee trampolines.
The Derby Family Festival, that was moved for its seventh appearance, to be in line with the main fair on the Hill, was not sponsored for a fourth year. Returning attractions included Mike Carroll’s 1886 Walker Gallopers & Orton & Spooner lighthouse Slip; alongside his chairoplanes; with Bungee inflatables nearby and a variety of catering units including pick & mix sweets & Churros from Monty Wright. There was also live music, traditional parading entertainers betting facilities, a bar and shelter.
In the relocated Market to The Dip Fair, were several food kiosks, as in recent years, the line previously facing the fair was once more at the lower end of each walkway. These included Swaley Elliott; Smiths’ and Stanley Reynolds & family.. At the top of the Hill and facing the grandstands were more kiosks and other food and drink outlets; among Showmen returning here were; and nearer, alongside Mr & Mrs Cohen Jnr and Snr. with two and Fish & Chips unit further along and Oodles of Noodles nearby. Across the whole event there were many ice cream units Slush was on offer variously
The first of the afternoon’s seven races took place promptly at 2PM, by which time both fairs were open for some hours, as were the caterers who opened that day on The Hill. Broadcasters Racecourse Media Group and ITV Racing returned for a sixth year for this year’s Derby.
The good natured crowd on the Hill enjoyed the competing attraction of free DJ music throughout the afternoon from the organisers, entertaining the crowds. Once more this year there were no ‘brand activation’ areas but what seemed increased presence from the headline sponsor of the Derby Festival, Betfred, across the Downs.
Overall, on the Hill, from caterers to market stall-holders, trading was mixed after getting off to a reasonable start overall. The fairs closed when asked to do so at 7pm, at the end of a successful trading day overall for the Showmen. The Derby was overall seen as a success for everyone involved though, as is the nature of the event, with some unexpected wins and an event that everyone at all levels and backgrounds enjoys participating in celebrating.