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Great atmosphere despite damp start to Banbury Fair
19/10/2023
The Michaelmas Fair has been an annual attraction in the town centre for more than 500 years
It might have been a wet start to Banbury’s Michaelmas Fair, but it was an occasion full of smiles.
This year’s fair is a four-day event, running from Wednesday until late Saturday. The extra day is an attempt to attract more people to the town centre to boost spending in shops, pubs, and restaurants as well as on rides and amusements.
Town mayor Fiaz Ahmed and chairman of Cherwell District Council Les Sibley declared the fair open at 4pm yesterday (Wednesday) and in line with tradition toured the amusements with a golden key giving free rides to excited children.
Cllr Ahmed even tried a couple of the rides himself and was enjoying the atmosphere. He told Banbury FM: “Its exciting with lots of energy. Even though its raining everyone is enjoying themselves. I hope they have a fantastic week.
“I’ve heard its going to be good weather on Saturday, so please come out and support the fair. I’m sure you will enjoy yourself.”
The Michaelmas Fair has been an annual attraction in the town centre for more than 500 years and is a popular part of Banbury’s heritage. For as long as anyone can remember it has been a three-day event – Wednesday to Friday.
The four-day spectacle is an experiment requested by William Wilson, boss of Bob Wilson Funfairs who organise the event.
Cherwell District Council granted permission for the extra day. Councillor Sibley said: “Opening the fair on Saturday will allow more families to enjoy the rides and sideshows and bring more visitors into the town centre. There are many people who for various reasons can’t come to town on weekdays but can at weekends.
“We will review the experiment later to evaluate the response and impact of the extra day and we will decide then if four days will become the norm.”
It is thought the fair ties in with Banbury Borough being incorporated by a charter in 1554. The charter granted a number of rights including the right to hold markets and fairs.
Banbury Market will still take place on Saturday, but the stalls will instead be set up in Broad Street.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam