Oxford’s famous annual funfair which attracts thousands of visitors to the city is returning next month for its 400th year.
St Giles Funfair will take place on Monday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 10, in Oxford City Centre, celebrating its 400th year.
Renowned as one of the greatest and most prestigious fairs in the country, it traditionally takes place on the Monday and Tuesday after the first Sunday post-St Giles' Day (1 September).
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It began as a parish festival to celebrate the feast of the patron saint, St Giles.
In the 18th century St Giles’ Fair was a toy fair which then developed into a general children’s fair in the early 19th century.
The funfair aspect expanded significantly during the Victorian era, influenced by advancements in transport and mechanical engineering, allowing more visitors and the development of early ride prototypes.
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