Temporary restriction is to provide ‘extra layer of protection over the fairground and the crowds attending’
Aerial shot captured at Hull Fair’s opening weekend in 2024(Image: Lee Mclean / SWNS)
A temporary airspace restriction for drones will be in place over the Hull Fair site and surrounding area during this year’s fair, as part of the safety and security arrangements for one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs, it has been announced. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Secretary of State for Transport have introduced Restriction of Flying Regulations under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 for reasons of public safety and security, due to the large number of people expected to attend.
The restriction has been put in place with the support of Humberside Police and Hull City Council. It applies to uncrewed aircraft (drones) only and does not affect crewed aircraft.
It covers a circle with a radius of half a nautical mile (approximately 925 metres) centred on the Walton Street fairground, from ground level up to 1,100ft above mean sea level. The zone includes West Park, the MKM Stadium, Hull Western and Hull General Cemeteries, and surrounding streets including parts of Spring Bank West, Chanterlands Avenue and Anlaby Road.
The restriction will be in force between Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 17 at the following times:
- Friday, October 9 – 4pm to 11pm
- Saturday, October 10 – Noon to 11pm
- Sunday, October 11 – No restriction in force
- Monday to Friday, October 12 to 16 – 2pm to 11pm
- Saturday, October 17 – Noon to 11pm
Counter drone equipment will be deployed throughout the fair. It is the responsibility of drone users to check the restriction and plan their flights accordingly.
Chief Inspector Derek Hussain, Silver Commander for the policing operation at Hull Fair, said: “Hull Fair is a much-loved event that brings hundreds of thousands of people into the city, and keeping them safe is our priority.
“This temporary restriction gives us an extra layer of protection over the fairground and the crowds attending. There is no specific threat to the fair, but we will be prepared for any eventuality.
“Counter drone equipment will be in operation, and we will be able to detect drones and locate the people flying them. I would ask anyone with a drone to respect the restriction.
“Flying within the zone without permission is a criminal offence and could put people at risk. We will work with our partners to take action against anyone who breaches it.”
Cllr Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council and portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “Hull Fair has been part of the city’s life for over 700 years and we want every visitor to enjoy it safely. We are pleased to have worked with Humberside Police, the Civil Aviation Authority and Aerial Defence Ltd to put this restriction in place, and we thank residents and drone users for their co-operation.”
Anyone wishing to fly a drone within the restricted area during the times it is in force must first obtain permission from Aerial Defence Ltd, who are managing the airspace on behalf of the event. Requests should be made at least 24-hours before the proposed flight – call 07872 828379; email aircell@aerial-defence.com
The restriction does not apply to drones operated by a Police Air Support Unit. Anyone who sees a drone being flown within the restricted area and believes there is an immediate risk to the public can call 999. Other information can be reported to Humberside Police on 101.
Full details are published in CAA Briefing Sheet 121/2026 and are available to pilots through the NATS Aeronautical Information Service at nats.aero/ais. Drone users should always check for restrictions in their area before any flight.
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