Thousands expected for St Giles' Fair

5:44pm Sunday 7th September 2008

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By The Page Turner »

Thousands of people are expected to flock into Oxford on Monday to enjoy St Giles' Fair.

Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel will join representatives from the Showman's Guild to officially open the two-day fair at 10.30am.

Visitors can look forward to traditional funfair rides and amusements including a helter skelter, dodgems, candy floss stalls and waltzers.

There will also be a selection of the latest white-knuckle rides, including Evolution, Chaos, Storm Booster and Superbowl.

The popular Wild Mouse rollercoaster is also returning after an absence of several years.

The attractions will be open in St Giles' from 11am to 11pm on Monday and Tuesday.

Ms Pressel said: "St Giles' Fair is one of the highlights in Oxford's entertainment calendar and I am very much looking forward to it.

"For two days, St Giles' is transformed. The striking contrast between the ancient college buildings and the brash and colourful fairground equipment makes this a unique and unforgettable occasion.

"It is a hugely enjoyable event and I would encourage local residents and visitors of all ages to come along and join in the fun."

The fair dates back to 1625 and began as a parish festival to celebrate the feast day of St Giles, the patron saint of beggars and lepers.

In the 18th century it became a toy fair, and then changed into a children's fair in the 19th century.

St Giles' Fair is one of the most popular events in the city calendar, and in 2006 attracted what is thought to be a record crowd of more than 100,000 people.

Drivers have been warned there will be a number of road closures for the duration of the fair until 8.30am on Wednesday.

The roads closed will be St Giles', Banbury Road south of Parks Road, Woodstock Road south of Observatory Street (access is maintained to Little Clarendon Street), Magdalen Street, Magdalen Street East, Pusey Street and Beaumont Street east of Gloucester Street/St John Street.

Temporary bus stops will also be set up in Broad Street to replace those in Magdalen Street during the event.