Melton Mowbray Town Estate

In 1848, the townspeople of Melton used the Play Close for shows, recreation and stalls at fair time. With Lord Melbourne's agents allowing pig stys and other buildings on the adjoining land, many of the townsfolk thought this was an enfringement of their ancient rights. The buildings were pulled down in what subsequently has been referred to as the 'Play Close Riots'.

Shortly afterwards, in 1850 the Play Close was purchased by Messrs. T. Ward and W.T. Tuxford; serving members of the Town Estate, they bought the Play Close on the understanding that they would sell it on to the town when the funds became available.

The Town Estate purchased the play close in 1866 for £170 later enlarging it in 1872 and 1886 respectively to the area it is today.

The Melton Mowbray Show

Since 1983, the Play Close has been at the heart of one of the UK's biggest and best family shows.

Over the years the Melton Mowbray Show has brought the finest acts to the town, including the famous King's Troop Musical Ride, the Household Cavalry, the Band of the Royal Marines and top Naval acts, HMS Daedalus and HMS Sultan, amongst many other major military performers, as well as a host of top stunt teams and thrilling entertainers.

The event, which first took place in 1983, has a reputation for excellence throughout the East Midlands and has annually attracted visitors in their tens of thousands. It has become a major tourist attraction in the area and a place where local and regional charities and worthwhile organisations have raised, at a conservative estimate, more than a quarter of a million pounds for their own funds.

The Childrens Play Area

The refurbished children's play area in Play Close has benefitted from new impact surfaces, new play equipment, including equipment specifically designed for wheelchairs which can also be used for pushchairs.

Melton Mowbray Town Estate provides and improves the amenities on offer in the town centre parks, for the benefit of the town and the people at no expense to the taxpayer.

The New Year's Day Meet

On 1st January 1983, the Town Estate introduced the 'New Year's Day Meet', with the three Hunts; Belvoir, Cottesmore and Quorn, taking turns to participate. The Millenium Day Meet, 1st January 2000, was unique as all three Hunts met together here in the Play Close. For safety reasons the 'New Year's Day Meet' now takes place here.

Melton Mowbray Town Estate are the hosts for the meet and supply the stirrup cup.