An application from local campaign group Kingston Peace Council (KPC) for a stall at the upcoming Ham Fair has been rejected after organisers deemed the group too political.

KPC, who campaign for "peaceful resolution of conflict [and] the abolition of nuclear weapons" among other causes, have participated in the fair since 2008.

However this year's application for their usual fundraising stall selling "second hand books and bric-a-brac" was denied.

Ham and Petersham Association (HPA) say their volunteer-run "traditional village summer fair" received complaints last year "about political campaigns having stalls".

"This year we decided to refuse stalls to political campaigns in line with all other local fairs we are aware of," said Geoff Bond, Chair of HPA.

"No one would expect a political party to have a stall at a traditional village fair. Few people would support national or international political campaigns having a stall either."

While the association's rejection letter to KPC acknowledged that the group "is not affiliated to any political parties," but added: "Your website does though feature the 'March for Palestine.'"

The letter outlines a blanket ban on "any organisation who have lobbying or political connections with the Middle East".

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Members of Kingston Peace Council joined other local groups protesting an international military helicopter arms fair at Twickenham Stadium on 27 February, 2024. (Photo: Oliver Monk)

Ham Fair, which will be held on 8 June, regularly features over 130 stalls, with additions like local school performances, a dog show, and live music over the course of the event. "It is a community fun day," says Mr Bond.

However Kingston Peace Council claim they have never received complaints about their stall. 

Phil Cooper, speaking on behalf of the group, says: "Campaigning for peace [...] has not previously been a problem for the Ham Fair organisers because we have been granted permission for a stall at the event since 2008."

He continues: "Now, at a time when we are hearing and seeing reports daily of the terrible slaughter and starvation of the Palestinian people, it seems that our presence is somehow seen as inappropriate."

Mr Cooper says the organisation's fundraising ability "has now been severely curtailed" by the rejection, adding: "It seems that the fair organisers have decided to censor us, to somehow 'protect' the fairgoers from the issue of peace in a time of war."

Ham Fair, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, will take place on Saturday 8 June from 11am to 4:30pm on Ham Common.

More information can be found here.

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