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Traditional fairground game in Market Place marks Banbury Michaelmas Fair week
15/10/2020
Gesture made to uphold the fair’s historical Charter rights which date back to 1554
The smell of candyfloss, screams of excited thrill seekers and excited young faces would normally be crammed into Banbury town centre this week. However COVID-19 put paid to 2020’s plans for the annual Michaelmas Fair.
The Fair dates back hundreds of years.
Today a small traditional fairground game has taken pride of place at Banbury Market as a gesture to uphold the fair’s historical Charter rights dating back to 1554.
The Fair would normally occupy the Market Place, the lower High Street, part of the Horsefair and North Bar. Traditionally it begins with the Chairman of Cherwell District Council and the Town Mayor using a golden key to grant free rides on one of the attractions for local children.
William Wilson MBE from organisers Bob Wilson’s Funfair was at the market today along with Elliott Moran, Showman & Banbury Market Trader and Tom Duckham from Cherwell District Council (all pictured).
Councillor Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “If we work together and keep following the Government advice we will overcome this virus and be able to welcome the Michaelmas Fair, and other fun events, back to our communities again. That means following the rule of six, keeping a safe distance, washing our hands and wearing face coverings.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam