History:
Since the nineteenth century, St Giles’ Fair has been held on the Monday and Tuesday following the first Sunday after St Giles’ Day (1 September). This means that when 1 September is a Saturday, the fair is held at the earliest possible time (3 & 4 September); but when 1 September is a Sunday, the fair is held at the latest possible time (9 & 10 September).
The Fair evolved from the St Giles’ parish wake of the early seventeenth century, which later became known as St Giles’ Feast. In the 1780s it was a “toy” fair (selling miscellaneous cheap and useful wares), and by 1800 it had become a general fair to entertain children.
From the 1830s there were amusements for adults as well. By the end of the nineteenth century there were several proposals to close it, as it had become too rowdy and licentious.
In 1930 the city corporation (now the city council) took over the control of the fair.
So, if you are around Oxford, then you can't miss this piece of traditional British action. Click on the image below to read more:
