Football Programmes Centre

TheMusic · Joined: 13 Aug 2011 Posts: 533

I just found an admission programme from one at Hendon in 1977 and just wondered when the first recognised fair in the UK actually was. Does anyone know for sure?

lambie the leap · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 381

There was 1 at 'The Centre Spot' at Turf Moor in either 1975 or 1976 I seem to recall.
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Posh1959 · Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Posts: 1227

I think i went to my first fair in about 1975 at Peterborough, i went to my first specialist programme auction 1980 or 1981 it was at a cinema/theatre somewhere in the Manchester area. Int he late 70s and early 80s there was a fair nearly every weekend up north.

derby1884 · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 11:22 pm Post subject:

Posh1959 wrote:

I think i went to my first fair in about 1975 at Peterborough, i went to my first specialist programme auction 1980 or 1981 it was at a cinema/theatre somewhere in the Manchester area. Int he late 70s and early 80s there was a fair nearly every weekend up north.

1980 - I recall being at a programme auction in Hull organised by Norman Lovett.
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Tynie Topics · Joined: 26 Nov 2009 Posts: 3572

I'm fairly sure that the old Scottish Programme Fairs started in the mid 70's.
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corneli_blue · Joined: 26 May 2010 Posts: 582 Location: Bridgend

The first one in Cardiff was at Cardiff City's Bluebirds Club during the 1979-80 season.

AYRUNITEDCOLLECTOR · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 1:12 pm Post subject:

On Sunday 10th October 1976 what was called the first ever Scottish Programme Fair took place at the McLellan Galleries in Glasgow. Organised by well known collectors Frank Campbell, John Litster, Alan Dick and John Turner. From memory it was mobbed, with people everywhere, you could not get near the dealers stalls...those were the days!!!

Although it claimed to be the first such formal event to be held north of the border, I seem to recall that similar events had been held in London for some years run by the late David Stacey/David Jennings and the club/magazine they ran at the time, The Football Programme Directory.

Michael

cardiff55 · Joined: 22 Jun 2009 Posts: 532

Alan, for the Cardiff fair there was a programme produced. Held at the Bluebirds club, a 4 page blue programme was given out on entry. I still have this, can\t beleive it's all those years ago.

I organised a few fairs in Cardiff at the Central Hotel, I think the last one was in 1991. Duncan used to organise a fair in Newport leisure centre and this was always well attended, I think the last one had about 10 dealers including Brentside, Dick Rattray, Bob's programmes and David Allen and others.

T

BAZZABAGGIES · Joined: 07 Jan 2011 Posts: 1918

1975 was the year, that launched the advent of the "Football Programme Fair". The first ever Fair was held at the 'Clarendon Restaurant', Hammersmith Broadway, in West London.

I was a buyer at The Birmingham Fair the same year in Digbeth Birmingham.

JJPROGRAMMES · Joined: 25 Nov 2009 Posts: 564

Though not actual "Programme Fairs" (where talking about) Fulham`s Supporters Club often had Programme Fairs/Gatherings in the 1950`s, I think Brentford and a few other clubs did as well.

corneli_blue · Joined: 26 May 2010 Posts: 582 Location: Bridgend

cardiff55 wrote:

Alan, for the Cardiff fair there was a programme produced. Held at the Bluebirds club, a 4 page blue programme was given out on entry. I still have this, can\t beleive it's all those years ago.

T

It was nice to get a programme as a souvenir of the event. I failed to buy a large bundle of reserve team programmes - still gives me a headache thinking about that.....