Beaconsfield residents are gearing up for one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar – the 750th historic charter fair.

The funfair, run by the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, will be held today, Friday, May 10, starting at 3pm with a short service at 3.30pm in the four ends of Beaconsfield Old Town.

It means that a number of roads in the Old Town will be shut to accomodate the sprawling fair.

The fair will feature attractions and rides to entertain families and refreshment stalls.

The popular fair has been going since 1269 when the Abbess of Burnham is reported to have received a royal charter to hold a fair in the town every year.

It was granted by King Henry III.

There is said to be a rule that if a fair is missed once it is not allowed to come back.