A MODEL-making king who last year caused a sensation with a vast miniature version of Ilkeston’s celebrated charter fair has gone one better for 2024 – by building TWO.
Brett Grubey, 31, was featured on BBC TV after constructing a vast array of working rides that took up the back of the sprawling model shop he runs with his dad Malcolm, 68.
The 1/24th scale extravaganza was such a hit that this year he has added a second – which has been scaled up to 1/12 size.
Brett, who used to work on the real fair, also plans to have a traditional fairground organ playing outside his Bath Street shop Malcs Models on the Saturday of the fair.
He joked ahead of the official opening of the 772nd Ilkeston Charter Fair on Thursday 17 October: “You might think my enthusiasm for the fair is off the scale – and you’d be right.
“It’s one of the biggest and oldest street fairs in all of Europe – and is more ancient than Nottingham’s more famous Goose Fair.
“Not only is it a paradise for fans of thrill rides and candy floss but it brings a lot of much-needed business into the town.”
He added amid the twinkling and flashing of lights from his two “rival” fairs: “I’m dreading the electricity bill.” Erewash Council Leader James Dawson said:
“Malcs Models is a cracking shop and just the kind of fascinating independent store we love on our high streets.
“The council’s thanks go to Brett and Malc for pulling out all the stops again to salute this year’s Ilkeston Charter Fair. The two amazing model fairs are well worth taking the kids to see – and entry is free.”