Showmen Season 2025: European Showmen’s Union Takes Stock

(eap) Overall, the European showmen industry is satisfied with the results of the 2025 funfair season. As the European Showmen’s Union (ESU) reports, visitor numbers were on the same level in numerous regions as the year before – a fact that the association considers as a positive sign given the partly difficult framework conditions. While in the first two years following the Covid pandemic there was a sense of great optimism at many European funfairs, the situation has meanwhile returned to normal levels in many places. Nevertheless, visitor numbers have been slightly decreasing since then. However, according to the ESU, this should not be regarded as a cause for concern, as it reflects a market stabilization following the exceptional post-Covid period.

In 2025, weather conditions also played a decisive role, as usual. An unusual accumulation of rainy days in some regions and heat waves in others once again highlighted that the weather remains to be a decisive factor when it comes to the success of the funfair season. Not forgetting that there are still bureaucratic hurdles that showmen in many European countries have to overcome. In addition to this, rising costs, such as higher stand rentals, energy prices or personnel costs, cannot be passed on to consumers. For this reason, the European showmen’s industry will continue to appeal to the political decision-makers in Brussels, Strasbourg and other member countries in the future to make sure that the voice of the industry is being heard. ■