Lee Gap Fair goes ahead for it’s 890th year in 2026

Leeds GATE is proud to have worked closely with the organisers of Lee Gap Fair to help secure a new location and ensure this historic event can continue. As the oldest fair in the country, and with a historic royal charter protecting it’s cultural significance, Lee Gap Fair holds huge importance for the Gypsy and Traveller community, our members and the wider local community. This year marks the 890th fair.

The future of the fair had been uncertain after its previous land was earmarked for development in 2023. Leeds GATE has worked hard over the last couple of years, alongside the organisers, to help find a new location and make sure this important tradition continues.

The new site is Thorpe Lower Lane, WF3 3BQ.

Our staff visited the new location and supported the organisers with risk assessment and insurance requirements. Leeds GATE has also made a contribution towards the cost of the field, helping to make this year’s fair possible.

Lee Gap Fair: Two fairs, two dates

Fairs have always been important to the Gypsy and Traveller communities because of history and cultures of being nomadic, or living on the road and stopping from place to place for work. Fairs meant times to meet up, trade wares and socialise at certain points in the year. Lee Gap happening for so many hundreds of years (and probably longer before the official royal charter) shows the central place of Gypsies and Travellers in West Yorkshire life and history.

As usual, Lee Gap Fair will take place over two days, with the first fair beginning on Monday 24th August 2026. Pull-on day for overnight camping will be Sunday 23rd August, with everyone required to be off the site by 6pm on Monday 24th August.

The later Lee Gap Fair will take place on Thursday 17th September 2026, with pull-on the day before and pull-off at 6pm on the final day.

For the Gypsy and Traveller community Lee Gap Fair is much more than an annual event. Its hundreds of years of history make it an important part of Gypsy and Traveller culture and heritage – heritage that is at risk and needs to be protected for future generations.

The fair is deeply valued by our members, and at a time when fairs across the country are facing increasing challenges, it is fantastic news that Lee Gap Fair can continue. We hope the new location will welcome the community and attract visitors and Travellers from across the country.

A huge thank you to everyone who has worked together to make this year’s fair possible.

You’ll be able to find us at both fairs with a stall and activities

See you all there!