THE smell of burgers and candyfloss and the sound of screaming teenagers and music filled Oxford this week as St Giles’ Fair hit the city.

Despite the wet weather the fair was a big hit with revellers, with many saying it was the best ever.

Hundreds descended on St Giles’ to try out some of the death-defying rides, including the plunging Mega Drop Tower and Storm, which spun thrill-seekers high above the dreaming spires.

Dodgems, carousels and haunted houses catered for younger visitors.

Richard Fry was enjoying the vintage carousel with his four-year-old son, Thomas.

He said: “St Giles’ Fair is a tradition of Oxford and it’s the highlight of the year. I have been coming here for over 30 years now. I used to come every year with my friends but now I can bring my kids.”

Tony and Jackie Harris had brought their two daughters, Josie, eight, and Emily, four.

He said: “We come every year and the girls love it. You can’t beat the St Giles’ Fair.”

Hartley Parker, 11, enjoyed the Mega Drop Tower.

Hartley said: “It was awesome. But I think they left it on a bit too long – I’m afraid of heights.”

His mother, Charlotte Bannister-Parker, said: “St Giles’ Fair is a bit expensive, but it gives them a lot of happiness and it’s the highlight of their year.”

Some had travelled from far and wide, with Marie Addison and her children making the drive from Nottingham.

She said the long journey was worth it, adding: “I love St Giles’ Fair – it’s just cool.”

Sophie Holding, 16, also tried the Mega Drop Tower and said: “I come every year, but this one is the best.

“They have got better rides and they go longer and faster.”

Hugo Campbell and Henry Tufnell, both 18, were thrilled by Storm. Hugo said: “It was very petrifying and death-defying.”

The pair said they were planning to stay out all night to experience every ride.

Hugo said: “St Giles’ has exceeded my expectations as a fair.”

Mike Newman, fair coordinator at Oxford City Council, says: “We are delighted that so many people have attended and have enjoyed St Giles’ Fair, despite the rain.

“We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”

Police said last night that the fair had been entirely crime free.

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