Mission Space will take Abingdon fair to new heights

The organisers of next week’s Abingdon Michaelmas Fun Fair are promising a bigger and better version of one of last year’s hit attractions. Mission Space will replace the Sky Fly ride on Ock Street, towering 40 metres (130 feet) high. For two days only – Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th – riders will be able to enjoy an exhilarating experience as they are twirled high over the rooftops of the Oxfordshire town.
Not only is the new ride taller than its predecessor by a full 10 metres, it also features a dazzling colour-changing LED package that will create a fantastic light show now that the nights are drawing in.
“The Sky Fly has been one of our most popular attractions the past few years in Abingdon, so we’re pleased to take it to new heights,” says Emily Wilson of organiser Bob Wilson’s Fun Fairs. “Unlike some of our other tall rides, this one is not fast or intense, so you’ll have time to enjoy the views from the top, which should be most spectacular.”
Thrill seekers with a need for speed may prefer the Booster, which returns again this year. Even taller than Mission Space (42m), it whisks riders through the sky on seats that rock forwards, backwards and through full 360° somersaults. Other white knuckle rides for 2018 will include the Freak Out, Extreme, Body Count, Tagada, Meteorite and Hysteria.
As always, the Galloping Horses (Carousel) will take pride of place on the Market Place. There will also be classic fairground attractions including the Waltzer, Dodgems, Fun House, Helter Skelter and many more, including a large selection of rides and attractions just for the little ones.
Billed as the largest street fair in Europe, the two-day event stretches for one mile down the high street, taking in both the Market Place and Ock Street. Adding atmosphere will be the many food kiosks and games stalls.
The Michaelmas Fair, named after the feast of St Michael, was originally a medieval hiring fair for rural farmworkers to find work in the area around Abingdon-on-Thames. Over the years it evolved to include a large selection of rides and other amusements.
This year’s event takes place on October 9 and 10, with a church service by the Carousel in the Market Place providing an added spectacle on Sunday night a 8.00pm. More details can be found at www.Facebook.com/OxfordshireFunFairs