A FAIR which began in Tavistock in the early 16th century may be resurrected in the town's Meadows next year.
From the 16th century until the 19th century, a fair was held each April in Tavistock celebrating St Mark, whose feast day is held on April 25, the anniversary of his martyrdom.
At a properties committee meeting of Tavistock Town Council last week, members heard of the plans to bring back the fair over the Easter holiday, from April 6 to 14.
Roger Howard, town clerk, said the idea to resurrect the fair came from looking into what could be done with unmade land which the council owns in Pixon Lane, now that a car park project had been shelved.
'We were looking at the land at Pixon Lane for the St Mark's fair, but we decided that the Meadows would be a better place to hold it. It won't be like Goose Fair as there won't be any stalls on Plymouth Road but there will be around seven or eight rides along with candy floss and fast food stalls in the Meadows.'
Wayne Southall, council works superintendent, said: 'The concept of running an Easter funfair in the Meadows is currently being investigated, as are other alternative usages for Pixon Lane car park to generate income.'
It is hoped the fair will be staged in April 2009.