Abingdon's annual street fair now runs for three days

Traffic diversions are in place and rides and food stalls have once again filled the length of Ock Street, High Street and the Market Place.

The Michaelmas fair is the longest street fair in Europe and usually takes place on the Monday and Tuesday before October 11 in the centre of Abingdon.

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But this year, thanks to an agreement between the town council and Bob Wilson's Fun Fairs, the festivities started on Sunday - a day early.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Elizabeth Symonds, whose family has been running a sweets stall at the fair for the past 40 years, said: "I think it could be the first time in history they have started the fair on a Sunday.

"Of course the rain came down and spoilt it a little bit on the Sunday night but the weather has improved now and people are coming out.

"I think it's a good idea to start on the Sunday - it's an extra day and that's better for everyone."

(Image: Andy Ffrench) There was a traditional service to bless the fair in the Market Place at 3pm, involving the town councillors, and the fair opened at 4pm following a free ride on the galloping horses.

Lydia and Rosa, stallholders selling candy floss and doughnuts, welcomed the new start time.

Lydia said: "Three generations of our family have been coming to this fair.

"I think this is the first time it has started on a Sunday - it's positive and works well for us."

(Image: Andy Ffrench) John Henry, of John Henry Catering, was busy selling hotdogs and burgers to hungry fun seekers.

He said: "I've been coming here for years - the kids really love it - they always have a good time.

"It's a shame it rained on Sunday night - that killed trade a little bit - but I do like the idea of Sunday opening and I hope they keep it going."

Debbie from Abingdon was at the fair with her grand-daughters Flo, six, and Isla, four.

She said: "There are rides for younger children as well as the big rides and it's not too busy."

(Image: Andy Ffrench) The Michaelmas Fair and the Runaway Fair began as a way to hire labour in the period after the Black Death in 1348, when the population fell by upwards of 40 per cent, giving workers more power to seek work elsewhere. 

Skilled workers would carry the tools of their trade over their shoulder, while unskilled workers would carry a mop instead, which is why the fair is sometimes known as the ‘mop fair’.

The Runaway Fair takes place a week after the Michaelmas Fair. Both fairs are organised by Bob Wilson's Fun Fairs.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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