Since the mid-1800s, there have been fairs at London’s ancient Hampstead Heath. The place’s position as a playground for the East Enders became more firmly assured after the Hampstead Heath station’s opening in 1860. Though met with several difficult challenges, through decades the fairs steadily grew to be more respectable and continued to be held, even during the wars. Take a look at Londoners merrily enjoying their time at the Easter fair in 1956 through 26 fascinating color vintage photographs taken by Bert Hardy: