THE June Fair was one of Oxford’s major summer attractions.

The picture was taken as organisers prepared for their second event, in 1972.

The first, at Oxford Cattle Market the previous year, had been such a success that groups that took part had immediately asked for another.

So the organising committee decided to hold a launch party for potential stallholders at Exeter College.

As the photograph shows, there was something approaching a stampede to sign up.

Within half an hour of the college doors opening, most of the 140 stalls in the market had been booked by local charities and organisations.

Committee member Paul-ine Agius said: “We’ve had such a terrific response the fair is bound to be even bigger and better than last year.”

The previous year, 65 organisations were represented and raised more than £4,000 – half of it going to Cheshire Homes.

Highlights of the 1972 event were a country kitchen, run by the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and selling preserves and country arts and crafts, the Oxford Ladies’ Circle bar, donkey rides in aid of the Woodlands Adventure Playground, and food stalls with curry, pancakes, pizza, cheese and wine, beer, sausages and candy floss.

Entertainment was provided by Indian, Irish and Morris dancers and a steel band.

The June Fair quickly established itself as an important date in the Oxford calendar.

By 1976, the venue had been switched to the Oxpens recreation ground and that year, 9,000 people turned out to enjoy an afternoon of fun and excitement.

Do you recognise yourself or anyone else in the picture? Let me know.