Please see information regarding the Abingdon Fairs and the road closures currently in place.

Please see information regarding the Abingdon Fairs and the road closures currently in plac:

The Michaelmas and runaway fairs take place each year in October and the Michealmas fair is known as the longest street fair in Europe. By law, the Michaelmas fair must take place annually on the Monday and Tuesday falling first before the 11 October in the centre of Abingdon-on-Thames: Ock Street, High Street and the Market Place.

The origin of the fairs were for the hiring of labour in the period after the Black Death in 1348. The Runaway Fair, which takes place a week after the Michaelmas fair, was named because it was a chance for anyone who had made a mistake and started work with a master who was perhaps cruel or untrustworthy to literally run away and find another farm to work on at the fair one week later.

Both fairs are organised by Bob Wilsons Fun Fairs

Please see below a link to the 2021 letter that goes to residents and businesses outlining the road closures and diversions in place.