Huge ten-day funfair promises to be bigger than ever at Exeter Arena

A travelling fun fair is set to return to Exeter Arena next week, with organisers promising ten days of rides and attractions in the car park off Summer Lane.

The event, branded “All the Fun of the Fair”, will run from Thursday 5 March until Saturday 14 March 2026 at Exeter Arena. 

Opening times will vary, with weekday sessions from 5pm to 9pm and weekend sessions split into two time slots: 1pm to 5pm and 5pm to 9pm.

Promotional material describes the event as “bigger and better than ever before”, with new rides alongside returning favourites. 

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Organisers are advertising a one-price entry model, with wristbands starting from £7.99 per person, allowing unlimited access to rides during the selected session.

The fair will take place in the Exeter Arena car park, a site that hosts the attraction annually. 

A spokesperson for Exeter Arena confirmed: “There will be a fun fair operating from the car park for a short period of time, starting on Thursday 5th – Saturday 14th March.”

“The organisers make this booking every year and are well rehearsed in operating on site. This will not affect daily operations for the leisure centre and its users.”

Exeter Arena, which is owned by Exeter City Council and operated as a community sports and leisure facility, regularly accommodates large-scale outdoor events in its grounds in addition to athletics, fitness classes and sports bookings inside the centre.

The return of the fair follows speculation on social media about a potential “theme park” opening at the site. 

However, the Arena has confirmed this is a temporary travelling fun fair operating from the car park for a limited period, rather than a permanent attraction.

Residents planning to attend are advised to check session times in advance and note that the event is ticketed per time slot.