The funfair will return to Midsummer Fair next year

The funfair will be back with new safety measures

Cambridge's oldest annual event, Midsummer Fair, will return in 2017.

The traditional funfair has been confirmed in a report by Cambridge City Council's Community Services Scrutiny Committee that has proposed a package of improvements to the fair's management arrangements.

The funfair element of Midsummer Fair was cancelled this year following an incident last November in which a member of the public was seriously injured in the build up to Bonfire Night.

Supported by the Showmen's Guild, a new layout will be coordinated for the fair on Midsummer Common that retains the traditional funfair and markets and will separate vehicles and pedestrians with pedestrian barriers and temporary fencing.

Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said:"Safety is always our top priority and that is why we, and Cambridge Live, have taken time to understand exactly what needs to be improved in the management of the city's outdoor events.

"We have taken expert advice and we are now putting forward proposals for a comprehensive package of improvements to the management of Midsummer Fair that addresses the issues arising from our review.

"Together these improvements will mean that Midsummer Fair can return next year with a full funfair, as well as the market traders and the other attractions that make it one of the highlights in the city's calendar."

Advice on health and safety matters was taken from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The report proposes repositioning the showmen's living accommodation, reconfiguring the market trader stalls, creating a secure area for vehicles that require site access and closing one full path for the duration of the event, which is subject to approval by the county council.

These proposals will also be scrutinised by the city's Safety Advisory Group and are subject to approval by the county council for the path closure.