South Kesteven District Council is asking residents and local businesses for their views on a request to change the days and extend the duration of the Grantham Mid-Lent Fair.
The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain is asking for permission to run the fair from Wednesday 20th March until Sunday 24th March 2024, instead of from Sunday 17th March to Wednesday 20th March.
To enable rides and stalls to be set up and dismantled safely, road closures would be in force from 5pm the day before the fair opens until 8am the morning after it closes. This applies to both scenarios.
The length and timing of the Stamford Mid Lent Fair would remain unchanged - running from Monday 11th March through to Saturday 16th March.
SKDC Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: "We are contacting residents and businesses who are likely to be directly affected by any change to the days and duration of the fair as they live or work in the areas where road closures are in force.
"We are also interested in finding out what those who may not be directly affected think of the request. It is important that all voices are heard - particularly if they feel strongly about the proposal - and I would encourage them to have their say."
Other businesses that could be affected, such as taxi firms and shops where deliveries could be disrupted, and statutory organisations such as the police and highways authority, will also be approached and asked to comment.
The results of the four-week consultation will be considered by SKDC.
Any potential change to the arrangements would need Government approval before they could be implemented.
If the feedback from the consultation showed enough support for the proposal, the Council would consider submitting a request to the Secretary of State. If not, no action would be taken, and the duration and dates of the fair would remain unchanged.
If the extended fair dates were approved, the regular Saturday market in Grantham would temporarily relocate to St Peter's Hill. Any costs associated with this would be covered by the Showmen's Guild.
All other costs would be met by the Showmen's Guild.
Residents and businesses wishing to have their say on the proposal, who have not been selected to participate, are invited to complete the survey online, at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GMLF2023
To request a printed copy, please contact the Markets and Events Supervisor on 01476 406153 or via email m.gregory@southkesteven.gov.uk
The consultation closes on 2nd October 2023.