Regulars at St Giles Fair say they are disappointed the two-day event has been cancelled this year.
But they admitted the right decision has been made, as the city council and the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain worked together to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
On Monday the city council confirmed the fair will not go ahead this year as planned on Monday, September 7 and Tuesday, September 8.
READ AGAIN: St Giles Fair is called off to prevent spread of coronavirus
With tens of thousands of people attending it would be impossible to guarantee safe social distancing.
While fun seekers expressed their disappointment, they said the right decision had been taken to protect the public.
St Giles Fair Girl told oxfordmail.co.uk: “I have be going to St Giles Fair all my life and I know the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain this year have tried their best to put this fair on but they know they can’t they can’t take the risk.
“This is only the second time in the fair’s history that it’s be cancelled.”
She added: “St Giles Fair will come back next year big and better.”
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WestofBotley said he was not a fan of the tradition, adding: “Excellent decision. Not just because it would have spread Covid.
“The fair is a bit of fake medievalism that is enjoyed by fewer people every year, and which causes traffic congestion and loss of business at a time when Oxford simply cant afford it. Hope it never returns.”
Another resident said: “Common sense to cancel it. I appreciate the work involved in running it, but with the current situation it is best idea.
“It is up to the public to prevent the spread of coronavirus, as the Government have completely failed in their massive mess.”
Readers also reacted through the Oxford Mail’s Facebook page.
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Tony Bennell said: “This is sad but inevitable under the circumstances.”
Karl Scale added: “Yeah I guess that was going to be off but hopefully will be fine next year.”
The city council and the guild said in a joint statement: “With the UK still in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic, especially given that the fair attracts large crowds, it is felt that the risk to the public’s health and wellbeing is far too high for the event to go ahead.
"We are now looking forward to presenting the St Giles Fair in 2021.”
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