Abingdon Michaelmas Fair is the longest street fair in the UK and takes place on High Street and Ock Street, Market Place and part of Stratton Way.
When I woke, I saw a trailer with a children’s Ferris wheel.
The top of West St Helen Street was closed to traffic.
Setting up the fair happens between 8 am and 2 pm. The run-in takes longer, and some vehicles and caravans arrive a few days before.
The rides are put into position and assembled. On the Market Place, The Victorian-style Galloping Horses take longer to put together than most of the more modern rides.
After all the poles and supports have been positioned and fixed, the horses await their turn in safety socks.
Horses are used for carrying people but must first be carried into position by people.
Later, at 7 pm, the Golden Galloping Horses provided the stage for the Fair Service, where people thanked God and the people who helped make the fair possible, including Mr and Mrs Wilson, Hebborns, fair workers and the town council. There were prayers for a peaceful and fun-filled fun fair. Hymns were sung, and there was a free ride.
A shame only 5 Town Councillors out of 19 turned up. This is one of the biggest events in the town for which the Town Council has responsibility, to have only 5 Members of the Council turn up is pitiful and shows disrespect for all those who work hard to put the event on. I hope the Council will also impose a three-line whip on Town Councillors to attend the Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial this year as their attendance has also dwindled at this event over the past few years.