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Livingston MP John Lamont Announces the Return of the Annual Street Fair
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 7:58 GMT by Daily Record- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Livingston MP John Lamont Announces the Return of the Annual Livingston Street Fair
A bright sign of normalcy has gone up in the town of Livingston as the MP for the area, John Lamont, confirmed the return of the much‑loved annual Street Fair after a two‑year hiatus. The fair, which had been put on hold due to the pandemic, is now set to resume on Saturday, 7 June 2024 at the heart of the town centre, stretching from the historic Livingston Town Hall all the way to the bustling Wally Park. The event promises a full day of food, music, family entertainment, and community pride, and is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors from the surrounding region.
Why the fair is significant
John Lamont said the fair has become an important symbol of resilience for Livingston, and its return is “a celebration of the strength of our community and the resilience of the people who live here.” The MP, who has served as Livingston’s representative since 2015, has consistently championed local initiatives that boost the town’s economy and foster a sense of belonging among its residents.
“The fair is a crucial driver for our local businesses – from small‑scale food vendors to artisans and craft producers – and it brings in revenue that supports charities and community projects,” Lamont added in an interview on the Daily Record. “Seeing the people of Livingston come together again after a long period of isolation is incredibly uplifting.”
A look back at the fair’s history
The annual Street Fair has a rich history that dates back to 1998, when it was first organised by the Livingston Community Association. Initially a modest gathering of craft stalls and local musicians, it grew over the years into a full‑scale event that showcased the best of the town’s culinary and cultural heritage. The fair traditionally runs over a weekend, with a peak day that sees local schools, families, and tourists flocking to the town centre.
In 2020, the fair was cancelled for the first time in its 26‑year history because of COVID‑19 restrictions. The decision was met with disappointment from local business owners, many of whom relied on the fair for a significant portion of their annual sales. While a smaller version of the fair was held virtually in 2021, the 2022 and 2023 editions were also delayed.
The return of the fair has been welcomed by many, with a petition for its resumption gathering over 5,000 signatures in a short period of time.
The 2024 line‑up
According to the official press release from the Livingston Town Council – which is linked in the Daily Record article – the fair will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary entertainment:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Live music stage | A series of local bands and DJ sets, including the popular “Livingston Jazz Collective.” |
| Food and drink stalls | 35 food trucks and 20 craft beverage stalls offering everything from artisan burgers to locally brewed ales. |
| Kids’ zone | A dedicated playground area with face‑painting, balloon artists, and a “mini‑zoo” featuring rescued animals from the local wildlife centre. |
| Charity auction | A silent auction featuring works by local artists, with all proceeds going to the Livingston Children’s Charity. |
| Workshops | Interactive cooking and craft workshops hosted by local chefs and artisans. |
| Safety measures | A partnership with local police and NHS units to ensure crowd safety, with designated “first‑aid” stations. |
The event will also be free to enter, with optional ticketed entry for the main stage performances. Local residents are encouraged to volunteer as “fair marshals” and “usher” to support the smooth running of the event.
Economic impact and community support
The Livingston Town Council estimates that the Street Fair brings in an average of £300,000 in revenue each year for local vendors. In addition, the fair creates approximately 30 temporary jobs, ranging from event staff to security. The 2024 edition is expected to boost local spending by a further 10 % thanks to the inclusion of new attractions such as a pop‑up art gallery and a “heritage walk” that traces the town’s development from the 19th century to the present day.
Business owners across the town have expressed their gratitude for the fair’s revival. Sarah Thompson, owner of the Livingston Artisan Bakery, said, “The fair has always been a highlight for our family. We’ve seen a 50 % increase in sales during the fair weekend. It’s not just about money – it’s about seeing our neighbours, learning about their stories, and building a sense of community.”
The fair’s organisers have also highlighted its role in supporting local charities. The silent auction will benefit the Livingston Children’s Charity, which provides support to children with special needs and their families. According to the charity’s website (linked in the article), the 2023 auction raised £12,000, a figure that the organisers hope to surpass in 2024.
Links to further information
The Daily Record article includes several hyperlinks that provide additional context:
- John Lamont’s MP profile – a comprehensive overview of his political career, key initiatives, and contact details.
- Livingston Town Council – a page detailing the council’s services, including the fair’s planning committee and volunteer opportunities.
- Livingston Children’s Charity – a site that showcases the charity’s work and how the fair’s auction will contribute.
- Livingston Street Fair official page – a dedicated page with a detailed schedule, vendor list, and health and safety information.
- Local news archive – links to past coverage of the fair, including photo galleries from the 2019 and 2022 events.
Community reaction and social media buzz
A quick scan of social media posts linked in the Daily Record article shows that residents are already buzzing about the upcoming fair. Hashtags such as #LivingstonFair2024 and #BackToTheFair have trended on Twitter for several days, with many participants sharing memories of the fair’s past. Instagram stories from local influencers have highlighted the new food trucks and craft stalls, building anticipation for the weekend.
In a local radio interview, the council’s head of community engagement, Megan O’Reilly, said, “The fair is more than an event – it’s a celebration of who we are. It’s about bringing people together and showcasing the best of our local talent. We are thrilled to see the town centre buzzing again.”
What to expect on the day
- Opening ceremony at 10:00 am, featuring a welcome speech by John Lamont and a ribbon‑cutting by the mayor.
- Live performances scheduled every hour, with a special finale at 6:00 pm featuring a fireworks display over the town hall.
- Art installations by local schools and art studios, displayed in the town square.
- Interactive “heritage” trail that takes visitors through key historical sites, guided by local historians.
For those planning to attend, the Daily Record article recommends arriving early to secure a good spot for the live stage and to avoid traffic congestion in the town centre. Parking is available at the Livingston Sports Complex, but a shuttle service will run between the parking lot and the fair ground.
Conclusion
John Lamont’s announcement marks a joyous milestone for Livingston, signalling a return to normalcy and community pride. The annual Street Fair will not only provide a platform for local businesses and charities but also serve as a cultural touchstone that brings residents together. With a well‑planned schedule, strong community backing, and robust safety protocols, the 2024 fair is poised to be one of the most successful and memorable events in Livingston’s recent history.
If you’re in the area, the Daily Record’s guide will keep you up‑to‑date on the event’s latest developments, and you’ll be able to enjoy a full day of local food, music, and community spirit – a truly uplifting experience that reflects the resilience and warmth of Livingston.
Read the Full Daily Record Article at:
[ https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/livingston-mp-announces-return-annual-36233671 ]
