SHOWMEN went home happily, with their pockets full of cash, after one of their most successful St Giles Fairs in Oxford.

The weather stayed fine throughout the two days in 1973, and huge crowds turned out to enjoy the many rides and sideshows.

A new coaster ride proved as popular as the traditional helter-shelter and wall of death and there were large queues outside the boxing booth, which returned to the fair after an absence of several years.

However, some families complained they had to pay more than in previous years. They found that prices had increased, the length of rides was often shorter and some charges went up and down by the minute.

One mother said: “Some operators switched their prices according to the crowds. When there were only a few people around, the price came down to attract them. But as soon as there was a scramble for seats, the price went up.”

Another fairgoer confirmed that when there were large crowds, the time on the dodgems, roundabouts, big wheel and flying rockets was cut.

The previous year, 1972, charges per ride ranged from 5p during the day to 8p at night.

But in 1973, prices rose to 10p during the day and up to 20p in the evening, stretching family budgets.

Defending the increases, one showman said: “It’s like everything else – costs go up. No-one is forcing people to go on the rides – they are doing it because they want to. Look around and you’ll see lots of happy kids and smiling faces.”

In those days, the school autumn term did not start until after the fair had left, boosting daytime crowds.

The general feeling at the end was that families had spent as freely as ever, and it had proved a profitable fair for the showmen – most people were happy!

p More St Giles Fair pictures: See Page 25