Kempton was previously known for its sprawling indoor and outdoor venue where you could spend the whole day. It was always heaving with people back before lockdown. Unfortunately, this element of the fairs that was the most fun is now the main danger. Kempton has addressed this risk by closing the indoor space and removing any amenities except for a coffee cart. You had to queue 2 metres apart and when you went in, they had hand gel at the gate. The organisers were really doing their best, but the nature of a fair like this is a bit at odds with social distancing as buyers rush around looking for deals. It was like stepping back in time four months as masks were only worn sporadically and there were people getting quite close to each other at the traders’ stands. I also fell into a false sense of security and it wasn’t until I was on the train back that I realised that I had put myself in harm’s way by chatting with people without a mask on. We did stay 2 metres apart, but it still did not seem very safe.

The organisers did a great job with a difficult situation, but I do not know if this will be enough in the long run. The traders that had stands at the fair were happy with the financial result due mainly to the trade buyers that arrived at 6:30 am. However, although this first fair was very well attended, I do not think that the fairs will maintain this without attracting private buyers. As a private buyer myself, I would be reluctant to return to such a chaotic environment.  Not to mention the fact that should it rain then the whole thing is jeopardised.