SCHOOL pupils will be able to enjoy one last day of summer holiday fun at St Giles' Fair in Oxford.

With state school pupils in Oxfordshire heading back to classes on Tuesday, they will be able to take a trip to the historic fair on Monday - and sort out any last-minute school uniform requirements at the same time.

Each year the Showmen's Guild brings the two-day fair to the centre of the city, attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors.

Road closures in and around St Giles will apply from 12.01am on Sunday through to 8.30am on Wednesday and diversions will be signposted.

A blessing for the fair will take place on Sunday at 5pm opposite St John's College, and Lord Mayor Jean Fooks will officially open the two-day event at 11am on Monday alongside the colossal Air ride, one of the largest portable rides in Europe.

Ms Fooks said: "Sometimes children are back at school by the time the fair comes around but this time they will be able to enjoy it on the Monday before they go back to classes on Tuesday.

"St Giles' Fair is a fantastic tradition in Oxford and I am looking forward to officially opening the fair and, if possible, having a go on the dodgems which I am a big fan of.

"The fair is run by the Showmen's Guild and I will be inviting their members to lunch in the Lord Mayor's Parlour at the town hall.

"There has been plenty of sunshine lately and it would be lovely if the sun comes out when the fair is on."

The Air ride, which resembles a mechanical octopus, is popular with thrill seekers as it spins riders about 100ft over the historic street filled with rides, stalls and amusements.

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 1800s with a mixture of mechanical rides and side stalls.

Twenty tickets have been given to city council tenants, giving them the opportunity to ride a ride for free.

The alternative city through-route for traffic is via Worcester Street, Walton Street, Kingston Road, St Margaret's Road and vice versa.

More information on road closures and bus route diversions is available on the city council's website at oxford.gov.uk/info/20035/events/557/st_giles_fair/2