There are many thousands of people — and plenty of dogs — who come to enjoy the funfair, some wide-eyed with excitement, others rather more long-suffering.
There are the stallholders running all sorts of games of skill and luck.
And the food vendors offering irresistible, if not exactly healthy, treats. How good is candy floss for you?
At every junction there’s a barrier and a parked vehicle to make sure no one can accidentally — or deliberately — drive into the crowd. One of the Town Council trucks can be seen at Conduit Road (along with a watchful cat).
There are the Police, PCSOs, and other security staff keeping an eye on things. Also seen here with the Police are some Street Pastors — there to offer a friendly presence, a listening ear, and practical help where needed.
There are the first aiders, ready to respond to the occasional bump or dizzy spell.
And behind it all, Bob Wilson Funfairs, who organise the fair under agreement with the Town Council. They even bring their own photographer and drone to capture the spectacle stretching from the end of Ock Street to the Market Place.
Everything is taken down with great speed once the fair closes, the lights are used to help as dismantling begins around 10:30 pm.
By the early hours, rides have folded away, trucks are loaded, and the convoy heads off to the next stop — the annual Mop Fair at Stratford-upon-Avon on 11 and 12 October, also run by Bob Wilson Funfairs.
By Wednesday morning in Abingdon, there will be little sign of the fair that filled the streets with colour and noise — just a few stacked barriers, a handful of out-of-date signs, and a lighter wallet. Children’s rides were around £3 this year, most adult rides about £5. Burgers and hot dogs cost £6, cheeseburgers £7 — though you could have picked up a burger for a lot less at the local takeaways which do undercut the fairground price.
Re. the proposed changes at the East St. Helens-High Street junction over the Fair days? Anyone bother to look at the traffic going down East St. Helens from Stert Street, Bridge Street, and those from The Brewery cutting through Lombard Street? I did. Guess it’s time for a re-think at the Planning Department.
Nathan Ley’s video on Facebook about the proposed junction development is very informative. The changes don’t appear to pose a problem.
Some readers of this blog don’t use Facebook — is there another way to view the video?
Sorry, can’t help. I’m sure another Abingdon Blogger can help.
Bit late but here’s link to the video
https://youtu.be/9k4VjunZhqQ?si=ofixxNP68XGM7n_v
Interestingly, the prices at the fair seem to be little different from when I lived in Abingdon in 2013 – and a bit lower than other fairs I have been to around the country.
I wonder if the funfair people use dynamic pricing, altering their charges in different locations?
I last went in 2013 too…
“Hi, how much is candy floss”?
“£3 each”.
“OK, please could I just have a small one for him (point at child); he’s only 4 and won’t have a whole one”?
“Yes, of course”.
…makes a small candy floss and passes it to me…
“How much is that”?
“£3….”
I haven’t felt the need to go back since.