For a period of two weeks each year, starting on Valentines Day, the Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn becomes frantic with the sound of loud music, screaming youngsters, parents repeatedly saying “Just put a coat on” and machines twirling and flinging their passengers around / up / down.
Traditionally, this is the first funfair in the Showmen’s calendar where new rides are trialed and old favourites dusted off and brought back out for the year ahead.
500 years ago, Lynn had two marts and these were important trading fairs which would attract visitors from across Europe. Over the years trading fairs became less important and it naturally evolved from a trading fair to an annual funfair.
The Mart is also a memorial to the great work of Frederick Savage, who worked in partnership with the Showmen’s Guild to develop new rides. Mr Savage lived in Lynn, and pioneered the application of steam power to fairground barrel organs and went on to develop a unique industry manufacturing power-driven roundabouts, swings and joy-wheels.
Another tradition the Mart brings is a spell of cold weather so – if the tradition rings true this year – be sure to visit Mark and the team at our King’s Lynn store. There you’ll find all the latest electrical goods and heaters from Winterwarm, De’Longhi, Dimplex and GLE. You can also check out some great gadgets, gizmos and gifts for Valentine’s Day – or every day!
