Preserving the Magic: How You Can Help Save the History of the Bo’ness Fair

For generations, the Bo’ness Children’s Fair Festival has been at the heart of our town. The vibrant arches, the excitement of Fair Morning, and the tradition around it bind the community together year after year. For the past few years, researchers from the University of Glasgow have been working alongside local residents to explore this rich heritage. Now, the project is taking an exciting next step: creating a community-led archive to ensure the history of the Fair is protected for generations to come.

To kick things off, a special community event is coming to Bo’ness Hippodrome:

• What’s Happening at the Event?
  Research Insights: Learn what the University of Glasgow team has uncovered so far about the history and cultural impact of the Fair.
• Archive Sneak Peeks: See fascinating materials discovered during the latest phase of the project.
• Exclusive Footage: Be among the first to enjoy a special short snippet from the Fair Day 2026 film on the big screen.
• Community Story Sharing: Swap memories and connect with fellow locals passionate about keeping the town’s history alive.

How You Can Get Involved
An archive is only as rich as the stories within it, and you might be holding onto a piece of Bo’ness history without even realising it. Everyone is invited to bring along any Fair-related items, old or new. If you can’t bring the items themselves, photos or a simple list of what you have are just as helpful.

Items of interest include:

• Photographs, scrapbooks, and home videos
• Programmes, tickets, and newspaper cuttings
• Official letters, documents, and audio recordings
• Unique memorabilia and personal keepsakes

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 15th September 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Venue: Bo’ness Hippodrome
• Admission: Free (All welcome!)

Whether your family has lived in Bo’ness for generations or you are new to the area’s unique traditions, your memories matter. Drop in, share your stories, and help build a lasting legacy for the Fair.