Alcohol ban at Wem Fair

Police have issued a warning to residents attending Wem Fair saying nobody will be able to enter the recreational ground with alcohol between 7pm and 10pm on Saturday.

The town council said they wanted to impose the ban as they wanted the fair to be a family friendly event.

Last year there were two assaults on the day of Wem Carnival. Police said they were alerted to two incidents, which were not believed to be linked with each other, on the recreation ground in Wem between 9.30pm and 9.45pm.

This year the fun fair on Wem Recreation Ground will close at 10pm and absolutely no alcohol will be allowed on the recreation ground on Saturday evening.

Penny O’Hagan, Wem Town Council clerk, said: "We have decided to impose a ban on alcohol on the recreation ground in Wem as everyone involved with the carnival and fun fair wants the fair to be a family friendly event and provide a good ending to what we anticipate will be a wonderful day.”

Beginning at the Wem Sports and Social car park with a full programme of entertainment, stalls and shows, organisers said the carnival is Wem’s biggest free one day event.

Last year’s event saw hundreds of people line the streets of the town twice during the day for a daytime procession at 1.30pm and an evening parade at 7.45pm.

The floats which paraded through the town featured pirate ships, drummers and dancers.

This year Bowens Field, Pyms Road, Station Road, Aston Street, High Street and Lowe Hill Road in Wem will be closed at 1pm and at 7.15pm for an hour due to the carnival parade.