ONCE again St Giles’ Fair has been and gone, after the city was swamped with happy visitors throughout Monday and yesterday.
Thousands of people flocked to Oxford for the annual two-day celebration, which featured traditional funfair staples like the helter skelter, carousel and candy floss, as well as modern thrill rides.
100 years ago as captured by Oxford Journal Illustrated
The event dates back to 1625, but has also been a children’s and toy fair as well in the 18th and 19th centuries.
When opening the event on Monday, Lord Mayor Mohammed Abbasi said it was one of Oxford’s “greatest traditions”.
Mr Abbasi was joined by David Wallis, vice-president of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, who told the crowds: “I am very proud of the fair that has been brought here today. It is sparkling and there is something for everyone.
“We would like to thank the city council for the help and everything they have provided to put this on.”
This ride provides a somewhat alternative way of seeing the glory of Oxford from above
After the fair was officially opened by Mr Abbasi, above, the owners of the returning Air ride – which swings some 30 people up to 100ft into air at the same time – allowed members of the crowd to climb on for a first free ride.
Thrillseekers ride Air
Mother-of-one Laura Dash, 27, said: “The ride was really scary. We try to come to St Giles’ Fair every year, it’s always good fun.”
The fair’s spiritual beginnings are honoured every year and a blessing service was held in front of St John’s College, in St Giles’, on Sunday.
It was originally a parish festival to celebrate the feast of patron saint St Giles.
Some of the many ballons for sale
The helter skelter dominates the city skyline
Over the previous two days the whole of St Giles’ was closed to traffic, with city council estimates predicting some 100,000 people could attend.
The good weather is likely to have helped this year’s event, although many schoolchildren in the county could this year only attend after their classes for the day had ended.
Some fairgoers appear to be enjoying this ride more than others
It’s a waiting game for this ride to start, above, while others prefer to stand and watch, below
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