"In the Fairground" was written in the autumn of 1981 and its dystopian lyrics were inspired by "decay setting in" and the "sense of economic loss".

(...) It was a joy to write these extra songs and also, because these EPs were standalone, it meant that I could explore lyrical avenues that perhaps I wouldn't be able to put onto an album".

[3] The first 100,000 pressings of the single came with a free flexi disc which contained a fifth exclusive track, "Stand Proud".

12-inch vinyl editions of this EP were released in some territories, featuring the same four tracks, with a playing speed of 45 rpm.

In 2005, all tracks from the original EP, bar "Stand Proud", featured on the compilation The Safari Singles Collection Part 2: 1981–1983.