The Showmen’s Guild met with Sir Keir Starmer on 20 April, speaking to the PM regarding the crucial role fairs and Showmen play in the cultural fabric of the country during a special invitation-only event held at Downing Street to celebrate St George’s Day.
The Showmen’s Guild were able to highlight to Sir Keir Starmer the crucial role fairs, circuses and carnivals play in the social fabric of the UK last week, during an invitation-only event held at Downing Street to mark St George’s Day.
The Guild joined 100 handpicked representatives from charities and community associations across the country at the celebration, speaking to both the PM and Chancellor Rachel Reeves on the sector’s cultural contribution and values.
“The Showmen’s Guild were honoured and delighted to be represented, and given the opportunity to present its position and the presence that it has, through its members, across the country,” said the Guild’s Des Fitzgerald. “Sir Keir Starmer highlighted in his keynote speech, the fantastic work that is being done in communities nationwide.”
“Picking up on this theme, in a personal introduction to the Prime Minister, we spoke to him of the scale and success of the wide-ranging community fairs and shows that Showmen’s Guild members presented in towns, villages and cities across the country; simultaneously taking in Eid, Easter, Traditional Easter and other celebrations.”
During the event, the Guild also met with MP for Southend East and Rochford, Bayo Alba, and MP for Southend West and Leigh-on-Sea, David Burton-Sampson, who were both “full of praise for the Showmen creating success in Southend.”
MP for North Somerset, Sadik Al-Hassan, also “sent his good wishes to the Showmen in the Western Section.”
“Even with many other guests to meet and following a busy afternoon in the Commons, the PM was pleased to be reminded of the Showmen’s Guild and its members’ work, and, in taking our details, planned to take a closer look at the progression of the season of events.”
Originally published on Coinslot on May 4, 2026. Republished with permission.