Lagoa || Fatacil is set to return on August 15 with a whole new format and cheaper tickets.
It is an attempt to ‘revive’ the fair after a winter-of-discontent which saw a special audit organised to delve into Fatacil’s horrendous €700,000 debt legacy.
Lagoa Mayor Francisco Martins rode into the fray last year, accusing Fatacil’s organisers Fatasul of scuppering the event due to poor organisation, and worse.
But now we hear “differences have been put aside” – and it is all systems go as the borough tries to re-invent Fatacil’s 35-year reputation.
“We are committed to organising a great fair to revive Fatacil as Portugal’s biggest fair this side of the Tejo River,” Martins told Lusa news agency.
Thus ticket prices have dropped from €5 to €3.50 to cater for the “economic reality of families across the country” and the main music stage has been moved to a larger space to increase the number of potential spectators.
Elsewhere, there will be a secondary stage set up near the food court.
Already, some of Portugal’s top musical acts are confirmed, including the legendary rock band Xutos e Pontapés, singer-songwriter Pedro Abrunhosa, Fado singer Ana Moura and the master of sexual metaphors Quim Barreiros – a popular Portuguese singer who normally attracts a good crowd.
The refurbished fairground will also include a new playing area for children and an ensemble of street performers providing entertainment throughout the fair.
As this year’s fair will be themed around the sea, there will be many sea-related products on display, and the 11 participating restaurants will be showcasing seafood dishes.
But as always, the main thrust of the event is the promotion of regional handicraft, tourism, agriculture, commerce and gastronomy, and the traditional equestrian shows will be continuing.
So far, around 80% of exhibition stalls have been reserved and approximately 20 new exhibitors are expected.
The council has also tried to boost the number of Lagoa businesses at the fair, by offering 20 stalls at half price.
