“Young people currently make up 35 percent of visitors” said the newly sworn in mayor of Lagoa, Luís Encarnaçao.


The 40th Edition of Fatacil – Lagoa Handicraft, Tourism, Agriculture, Trade and Industry Fair, which will take place from 16 until 25 August, also brings an increase in the number of exhibitors and a budget increase to one million Euros.


Organiser hope to reach a total of 200,000 visitors this year, following an increase in the exhibition area to 60,000 square metres.


The works on the Capitão Justino da Costa football field allow an increase in the total area of the fair, with the placement of the musical stage in a lawn area and the creation of a “Fun Zone” for younger visitors.


Exhibitors from various sectors will include 210 artisans, commercial and industrial companies (290), agricultural and agrifood machinery (150), gastronomy (55) and 45 different entities, such as municipalities, schools, social solidarity and others.


The equestrian sector continues to be one of the fair´s most popular areas, registering “more and more visitors” said the mayor, with horse and rider shows being planned.


The typical cuisine of the region is another of the attractions of the event, which will have an area of “tasquinhas” where it is possible to taste Algarve sweets, honey, carob and goat cheese, among others.


Music is one of the strong features of the fair, which has scheduled performances by Xutos e Pontapés (16 Aug.), Kalema (17 Aug.) Wet Bed Gang (18 Aug.), João Pedro Pais (19 Aug.), Matias Damásio (20 Aug.), Quim Barreiros (21 Aug.), Blaya (22 Aug.), Jorge Palma (23 Aug.), Mariza (24 Aug.) and Richie Campbell (25 Aug.).


For the “youtubers´” there will be a Meet & Greet with Tiagovski & Jéssica Pinho (17 and 18 August), Nuno Moura & Pedro Tim (21 August) and JaimeDrake and Shutdown (22 August).


Environmental concerns are also present at the fair with the use of reusable plastic cups that can be used throughout the fair and “taken home as a souvenir” or returned at the end, the mayor revealed.


The growth of the event is also evident in the number of ticket offices and the creation of 12 car parks with capacity to accommodate 12,500 vehicles.


Fatacil opens daily between 6pm and 1am, with daily tickets costing €4 and a family ticket (four people) at €14, free for children under 12 years. A bracelet for every day of the fair is also available for €25.