ONE of the most colourful – and noisy – Oxford traditions returned for two days of thrills and spills.
St Giles’ Fair opened on Monday and wrapped up last night, Tuesday, with thousands of people thronging the street for the almost-400 year-old celebration.
The fair dates back to 1625 and began as a parish festival to celebrate the feast of the patron saint, St Giles. In the 18th century St Giles’ Fair was a so-called 'toy' fair selling cheap and useful wares, which then developed into a general children’s fair in the early 19th century.
The funfair element of the event grew during mid and late Victorian times.
These days the fair features rides, games, food and drink.
It is free to attend the fair but the rides and amusements have their own individual costs.
Highlights included the Sky Flyer, which spins plucky riders over 100ft in the air. There are also traditional amusements such as dodgems, waltzers and the ever-popular hook-a-duck game.
Many of teh rides will move on to other fun fairs around the county, including the Witney Feast.
Pictures by Danny Hughes and and Aliya Orlova
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