Witney Feast returns to The Leys with more than 60 rides and attractions

The event will go ahead in line with Government advice for entertainment events during the period of national mourning.

A minute's silence will be held at 4pm on Monday and a book of condolence will be available.

Organisers Bob Wilson's Funfairs will also make a donation to a local children's charity in memory of the Queen.

The event has a history spanning almost 800 years.  

The funfair’s roots date back to 1243 when locals feasted on two deer from the Royal Forest of Wychwood, which were provided by King Henry III to help celebrate the rededication of the church we now know as St Mary’s.

Over the years, the Feast has been marked by everything from singing and dancing to horse racing and the sale of livestock.

In 1904, it was moved from the Church Green to The Leys to accommodate the ever expanding festivities, and today it enjoys a reputation as Oxfordshire’s largest fun fair.

READ ALSO: Photo gallery: proclamation of King Charles III in Oxford

St Mary’s Church still retains an active part in the proceedings by hosting a Sunday evening service on the Gallopers carousel on the eve of the fair, as well as a hog roast in honour of the Feast’s roots on Monday.

Following the announcement of the Queen's death, the service on the Gallopers was a little different, with no choir procession or hymms.

It followed a Service of Prayer and Reflection for HM The Queen at St Mary's.

Emily Wilson, of Bob Wilson’s Funfairs, said: “Witney is a highlight of our ‘back end’ run of fairs without a doubt.

"Just as the nights start closing in, it’s a delight to be able to light up The Leys with a spectacular array of rides and attractions, and this year we’ve got possibly the strongest selection ever.”

Back in Witney for the first time in four years will be one of the UK’s most iconic thrill rides - Air.

The sleek attraction sends 24 riders through the sky on a star-shaped cluster of spinning and flipping gondolas attached to the end of a 28 metre (91ft) long rotating boom.

The exhilirating ride has a loyal band of fans who will travel great distances to experience it.

After making its debut in 2021, the City Star Flyer returns to offer fair-goers spectacular views of the surroundings, to Oxford and beyond.

Standing 55m tall – or a whopping 180ft – the flying chair ride is one of the highest of its kind.

READ ALSO: Two-vehicle crash involving motorbike leaves man seriously injured

With over 60 attractions in total, other popular rides will include the Wild Mouse spinning coaster, Waltzer, dodgems, Storm, Space, Super Trooper, Super Star, Extreme and many more.

For families and younger Feast fans, there will also be attractions such as the Dragon Coaster, Helter Skelter, four Fun Houses and a wide selection of children’s rides, trampolines, inflatables, games and food, as well as the traditional carousel.

Opening times are 2-11pm on both Monday and Tuesday, and entry is free it all times. 

The postcode for The Leys is OX28 4BB, and free parking is available on the Church Green at the other side of St Mary’s.

A message from our Editor

Thank you for reading this story and supporting the Oxford Mail.

If you like what we do please consider getting a subscription for the Oxford Mail and in return we’ll give you unrestricted access with less adverts across our website from the latest news, investigations, features, and sport.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok for more. 

You can also join the conversation in our Facebook groups: stay ahead of traffic alerts here, keep up to date with the latest from court here, share your favourite memories of Oxford here, get your daily dose of celebrity news here and take some time out with news that will make you smile. 

If you’ve got a story for our reporters, send us your news here. You can also list an event for free here.