Esher May Fair and CobJam go head to head

10:01am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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The gloves are off and the battle of the spring fairs is ready to commence.

Cobjam and Esher May Fair go head to head as they are both held this Saturday, May 17, promising their best show yet.

The Esher May Fair is running for the 53rd time, and boasts extreme falconry, a samba band, ferret racing and a Punch and Judy show.

Meanwhile, Cobjam - the Cobham jamboree - is being held for the first time this year to celebrate the skate park's first birthday next month.

The clash in scheduling is blamed on a barrage of community events being held across the borough this month, as part of the Get out and about' culture festival.

But both events are attempting to woo the crowds and make their show a big success.

Alison Derrick, organiser of Esher May Fair, said: "Ours is the most respected in the area. The atmosphere zings and we have got a few years experience running it and improving it every year."

The Fair, run by Ajax sea scouts, has been held on the same weekend for the last four years, and was moved ahead of the bank holiday to draw bigger crowds.

Newcomer Cobjam is attempting to appeal to the younger and dog-loving audience as it boasts a BMX, skateboarding and roller blading competition and dog show with seven categories.

Organiser Ken Purssey insisted that it was not a competition with Esher because it is "a different clientelle."

Cobjam runs from 2pm until 6pm at the Leg O Mutton ground, Cobham.

The Esher May Fair, at Weston Green Road, is held from noon until 4.30pm.