It will be lights, colour and action this week as the famous Michaelmas Fair comes to Banbury town.
Published: Tuesday, 15th October 2024
Following a successful trial last year, the fair will be held across four days, with the event being declared officially open at a ceremony at 4pm on Wednesday, 16 October.
A member of the Wilson family, which owns the fair, will present a giant golden key to Cherwell District Council chairman Cllr Dr Chukwudi Okeke and Banbury Town Mayor Cllr Mark Cherry.
Cllrs Okeke and Cherry will tour the town centre and grant fairgoers free turns on any ride they touch with the key.
The fair will run until late evening on Saturday, 19 October, with Saturday being family day that will see free street entertainment throughout the day, from balloon modelling to stilt walkers. Following the end of the fair, the council’s street cleansing team will get to work to ensure that the town centre looks back at its best and is ready for visitors on Sunday.
Councillor Dr Chukwudi Okeke, Chairman, said: “I am honoured to be able to be involved in the long-standing tradition of opening the Banbury Michaelmas Fair. This chartered event has been a part of the town’s fabric for over 400 years, and I cannot wait to see the smiling faces of our residents and visitors as they soak up the atmosphere the fair brings to the centre of Banbury.”
There will be plenty on offer for fairgoers, from adrenalin-pumping spinning and high-rising and dropping rides to the more sedate like the merry-go-round and cup and saucers. Those with an appetite can grab a snack from the savoury and sweet food stalls.
The fair will start setting up in Banbury on Tuesday, 15 October, primarily located in Horsefair, North Bar, Market Place and Bridge Street. It will run from 4pm on Wednesday, 16 October, until late Saturday, 19 October, opening at midday on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Road and car park closures will be in effect from Tuesday, 15 October, until the fair departs. Banbury market will not operate on Thursday, 17 October and Saturday, 19 October, but will open as usual on Thursday, 24 October.