Abingdon Michaelmas Fair – An Old Tradition

Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
It is tradition for Abingdon people to walk the mile long street Fair, during the Sunday set up.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
As usual, the Farr family stationed their Toffee Apples and Candy Floss stall near the top of West St Helen Street.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Mr Farr, aged 94, has only recently stopped working, but he still likes to come along to Abingdon Michaelmas Fair with his family. He first came to Abingdon with the Fair 94 years ago, when he slept as a baby, where his Father ran a throwing stall on the Market Place. He has been here with the Fair every year since – apart from the war years.

10 thoughts on “Abingdon Michaelmas Fair – An Old Tradition

  1. colin

    As the St Giles fair, lots of catering trucks..

    a few new ones (Haunted House/castle.).

    When I walked through there seemed to still be lots of empty spaces, and vans trying to find their pitch.

    Reply
  2. Abingdon Walks

    If you are able to walk down Ock Street in the morning before the Fair starts there is a wonderful calm and you a get a feeling of what Abingdon was like before continuous traffic.

    Reply
  3. Houdini

    That’s my favourite thing when the fair comes to town ….. walking through early morning when it’s quiet. Yes a real sense of how the town was before traffic arrived.

    As for any rides? Nope, doesn’t appeal to me – am a big scardy cat!

    Reply
  4. Pingback: Michaelmas Fair | The Benjamin Blog

  5. Carol

    Yes, an age before cars and traffic… Where you would have all been living in the gutter with rotting teeth. Bless the miracle of modernism that gives you the lifestyle which you lead and stop moaning about the present. Jesus.

    Reply
  6. colin

    Visited yesterday evening, as a spectator, my friend is the fearless one, she went on the Tornado, and Extreme, my limit was the annual ride on the Gallopers, enjoying the music (Bit embarrasing when I know the words and my younger friend looks at me as if I am from another planet).

    Noticed The Revolver in the carpark of the White Horse, (apparenly ride in a small cage which not only travels forward and back, but the ‘track’ is in a frame thet revolves 360 degrees..!!!)

    Reply
  7. Brian Jones

    I remember Mr Farr from 40 years ago and from most years since. I said that to him last year and he told me that he’d been coming to Abingdon for much longer than that. For me and the kids his nougat was the attraction.

    It’s good that old family firms are still involved with travelling fairs. Long may they continue.

    Reply
  8. margaret hewitt

    I think that you are very fortunate to have such a fair at Abingdon , enjoy it .

    I am in my late seventies and spent all my school holidays in Abingdon at my two late aunties homes .

    My sister brought me down three years ago on a visit and it was as lovely as ever .

    I will not be visiting again due to health reasons and from Yorkshire it is too far now .

    I have my fond memories though .

    Reply

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