The Michaelmas Fair was originally a mediaeval hiring fair for rural farmworkers to find work in the local area around Abingdon-on-Thames. Over the years, more and more stalls and fairground rides were added to make it now the longest street fair in Europe, running a mile down the length of the High Street from the Market Place and down Ock Street. The Michaelmas Fair is remembered fondly by residents, even if some no longer head down to the town centre at dusk with the crowds of young people, for whom it remains a highlight of the annual calendar.
Look up October events on the Town Events Calendar for details of the fair and the Runaway Fair which follows a week later.
For centuries all the fairs in Oxfordshire and Berkshire have been in sequence, all slightly different to reflect their home town. Some locals and visitors follow the fairs to enjoy the atmosphere.
Abingdon Fair is run by Bob Wilson Funfairs with support from townspeople and the town council.