THRILL-seekers will be treated to two new rides at Oxford’s St Giles Fair, which starts today.

Among the white-knuckle attractions at the annual two-day event are the Mega Drop – a 150ft high drop tower – and Rock Rage – in which riders are flung 360-degrees, at the same time as the capsules in which they are strapped also turn full-circle.

Ride operator John Nichols, 73, who runs the Galloping Horses, said the range of attractions on offer this year was unparalleled.

He said: “This is a very prestigious fair and this year’s should be very good indeed. The fun of this fair is down to the people who come and the atmosphere.

“It’s a real honour to be able to come back to Oxford.”

The annual extravaganza will see St Giles closed to traffic today and tomorrow – with the street lined with rides, stalls and attractions.

The fair, which attracts thousands of visitors, will begin this morning when the city’s Lord Mayor, John Goddard, performs the official opening at Hebborn’s Waltzers, near Pusey Street.