WORLD Fun Fair Month celebrations are continuing in Carlisle, with visitors from across the UK joining a programme of events showcasing the city's rich fairground heritage.
The pop-up World Fun Fair Month Hub was officially opened this week by guest of honour Lilian Miller, wife of the late showman Robert William Miller, who died in June 2026.
Paying tribute to Mr Miller, Richard O'Neill MBE said: "Robert, a successful businessman, embodied the very best qualities of the showman community: kindness, pride, resilience and a deep commitment to people and place.
"His presence, his encouragement and his belief in the value of creative work and the importance of recognition for the contribution of the showman community made a real difference to the city of Carlisle and beyond. He will be sorely missed."
A group of VIP guests took part in a guided tour on Friday, visiting locations connected to Carlisle's showmen history.
Stops included the Crown and Mitre Hotel, as well as exhibitions at Cathedral Lodge Antiques and Brick Station.
The group also visited the Tourist Information Centre and Market Hall to view displays and meet The Hobby Hoarder and McKays Café, which are supporting the project.
Among the guests were Dr Spyros Themelis of the University of East Anglia, Roseann Black of Northumbria University, Judith Cook of My Doors of Destiny and Jutta Kennedy of Carlisle International Women's Group.
The attraction at Intro in Paternoster Row has been delivered through a partnership between Michelle Russell, The Activity Bus, Zoë Leigh Gadd of Dance Ahead CIC and Adam Russell Dance.
It also draws on Adam Russell's Fairground Reminiscence project, an immersive multi-sensory exhibition celebrating the culture, heritage and legacy of the travelling fairground community.
The week-long exhibition explores the history of showman families through photography, artwork, games, memorabilia and an authentic galloper ride.
A month-long LEGO Little Reiver Fairground display, supported by Brick Station and the Crown and Mitre, is also featured, alongside a trail to find six hidden "Johnny Goggles" characters.
Zoë Leigh Gadd said: "It's been a wonderfully busy few days welcoming people to the World Fun Fair Month Hub at Intro.
"We've had great conversations, lots of sharing and plenty of fun as visitors from across the UK have joined us to celebrate Carlisle's showmen heritage."
Michelle Russell thanked visitors, businesses and members of the showman community for their support.
She said: "The support from both the showman community and the community of Carlisle is amazing."
Visitors have travelled from places including Manchester and Glasgow to take part in the celebrations, which continue throughout the weekend.
Sheldon Chadwick, of The Showmen's Mental Health Awareness Charity, said: "Carlisle is inspiring the community to work together to celebrate World Fun Fair Month and create a very visible presence to the wider world."
Founded by Future 4 Fairgrounds, World Fun Fair Month celebrates the fairground industry and the showmen families who keep its traditions alive.
This year's theme is the galloper, the traditional carousel horse, with organisers hoping the events will introduce a new generation to an important part of Carlisle's cultural history.
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