OXFORD’S historic centre will be transformed into a brightly-lit fairground when St Giles’ Fair rolls back into town next week.

The street will be lined with rides, stalls and attractions for the city’s annual extravaganza, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

At 7.30pm on Sunday, the traditional blessing service will be held at the carousel, close to the Martyrs’ Memorial.

The fun begins in earnest on Monday morning when the city’s Lord Mayor, John Goddard, will officially open the two-day event at Hebborn’s Waltzer near the junction with Pusey Street.

The annual fair dates back to 1625, when it began as a parish festival to celebrate the feast of St Giles.

Four centuries later and the timing, the first Monday and Tuesday in September, has not changed, but the attractions have.

This year, revellers can look forward to traditional funfair favourites including carousels, dodgems, waltzers and helter skelters.

Games, amusements and refreshment stalls will line the street and more up to date white knuckle rides will provide thrills for the adventurous fairgoers.

Mr Goddard, said: “St Giles’ Fair is a great Oxford tradition that has always moved with the times.

“I’m sure that once again it will provide a fun occasion for all the family.”

The medieval fair was held at St Giles churchyard, in Walton Manor, and was only later moved to St Giles itself.

In the 18th century it became a toy fair and by the early 19th century amusements for all ages had arrived.

Some straight-laced Victorian residents of Oxford called for the annual celebration to be abandoned, because it had become too rowdy.

In 1930 the city council took charge of arrangements for the event.

cburatta@oxfordmail.co.uk