SPECTACULAR sights will be on show in the centre of Oxford as the city prepares for the annual St Giles' Fair.

Thousands of people are expected to visit the popular historic fair, due to officially open on Monday at 11am by Lord Mayor Mohammed Altaf-Khan.

One of the largest and most prestigious fairs in the country, fair-goers can look forward to all the traditional funfair rides and amusements as well as five of the UK's top rides.

Mr Altaf-Khan, who will declare the event open on Bob Wilson Funfair’s ride Air, just south of Pusey Street, at 11am on Monday said it was a fantastic family occasion, with a truly wonderful atmosphere.

He added: "As with every year, I hope the event attracts many visitors and I encourage everyone to embrace the sights and sounds of the two-day event and to enjoy the festivities on offer."

The Air ride, Mega Spin, Storm Bomber, Sky Flyer will feature along with new rides Winchester History, a live ammunition gallery and King Ride, an Italian made ride which spins riders 360 degrees into the air at a height of 25 metres.

The annual blessing service for St Giles’ Fair will take place at 5pm on Sunday opposite the entrance of St John’s College.

The fair began in the early 17th century as a parish festival to celebrate the feast of the patron saint, St Giles.

By the 18th century it had become a toy fair and eventually evolved in the late part of the 1800s to be more like what we see today, with a mixture of mechanical rides and side stalls.

It is held every year on the Monday and Tuesday after St Giles Day which is September 1.

Road closures in the area of St Giles' will apply from 12.01am on Sunday through to 8.30am on Wednesday. The usual diversion routes will be sign posted.

As well as St Giles, Magdalen Street and neighbouring streets including Beaumont Street will be closed at their junctions with St Giles.

Buses in out of Oxford from the north will be diverted with temporary bus stops set up.

Visit oxford.gov.uk for more information about road closures.